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Breathing

Breathing

Breathing Properly

Breathing is very vital to life. Even though breathing is natural and everyone does it, most people don't breathe appropriately. If you breathe properly, it can help you in clearing your mind and reaching higher states of consciousness. Some people breathe in a shallow manner. Bad breathing habits often contribute to ill health. The body is deprived of the oxygen it needs, and cannot function properly. If you learn to breathe properly, it will not only help you physically but also increase your energy levels.

How you could breathe properly...

Stand with your feet together and arms on your side.

Close your eyes.

Take a deep breath through your nose. Monitor yourself as you breathe. Take notice as to whether you're expanding your chest or your abdomen as you inhale.

Then exhale.

Highlights

Vibrational Breath
    Therapy
Dynamic
    Meditation
Vipassana
Satipathana
    Vipassana

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for a graphical explanation of life.

If you've been breathing properly your abdomen will expand when you inhale and contract as you exhale. Breathing this way enables your lungs to get filled properly. If your chest expands and your shoulders rise during inhalation, your breath is actually incomplete.

Belly breathing

Belly breathing helps you relax whenever you are tense. When you feel anxious about something, just close your eyes and take five to 10 deep breaths. It can also strengthen you.

When you are feeling tired or drained, do a few belly breaths. Do not breathe from your chest, breathe properly.

	Lie flat on the floor or on your bed. Take a few deep breaths and feel yourself relax. Place one hand on your abdomen. Take a deep breath through your nose. As you inhale, let your abdomen push your hand out.
	As you exhale, feel your hand go down. Do this three to 10 times. Take your time while breathing. *Breathing this way will probably feel strange at first, but with practice you'll become accustomed to it.*
	Try to practice belly breathing everyday. A good time to do it is when you get into bed at night, when you wake up in the morning and/or any time you want to relax.

Candle Gazing

By means of meditation, you could develop discipline and concentration. Candle gazing is an exercise that will help you learn to concentrate. It also teaches you how to sit quietly, and focus on something other than your immediate environment. If possible, practice candle gazing in your meditation space.

To start this exercise, place a lighted candle at eye level about two feet away from where you are sitting. Focus your gaze on the flame of the candle and just keep watching it. Try not to blink your eyes, but don't force them to stay open either. Continue doing this for five to 10 minutes. If your gaze wanders, bring it back slowly. While doing so, be aware of your thoughts without trying to alter them in a conscious manner.

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