Stressed out? Take a deeeeeeep breath....ahhhhhhh!

Breathing techniques are one of the most important aspects of any Yoga program. Breathing techniques find their application in almost all types of exercises and techniques that people use for their physical well-being. Breathing techniques provide great relief from stress and energy depletion, which is quite common in today's scenario of unhealthy competition and strife. Breathing techniques have been linked to ease out many medical problems, helping in mental calm, and also in spiritual practices that one undertakes.

It has been estimated that we breathe more than 17,000 times a day, but most of the times, we do it unconsciously. We are not aware about the time we should take to exhale or inhale. We also do not know the flow of air that we need to take: whether we should take deeper breaths or short ones. However, proper guidance about breathing techniques can work well for physical needs. It is said that short and speedy breath is the cause of fatigue, anxiety, and a loss of carbon dioxide that leads to the constricting of arteries and blood vessels. It is well observed that this type of breath involves the movements of chest muscles only; however, breathing techniques that involve deeper breaths incorporate use of belly to inhale and exhale. It goes without saying that deeper breaths are better than the short ones.
Learning to take a deep breath
It is quite easy to learn breathing techniques involving the use of belly. Below are some points that can illustrate these breathing techniques in a better way:
•Breathing techniques often involve deep breaths; however, to attain that breath, you need to empty out your belly from all the air. So, we start from the point of emptying the belly of total air. Once it is free of all the air, when you will inhale, you will automatically have deeper breaths.
•It is very important to note that you need to inhale through your nose and not mouth. If you have a tendency to inhale through your mouth, you probably will not get the results of these breathing techniques.

•Make it a regular practice to breathe deep. You can start by lying down, and can also choose some cool place where you have access to fresh air: morning time is the best one when you are practicing these breathing techniques

•If you have some occupation that are too much stressing and demanding in their work, these breathing techniques can work wonders for you. You can practice deep breathing in the evening also, and anywhere. It is just a matter of being knowledgeable and habitual to it.

Breathing techniques have their application in spiritual practices also. If you practice meditation and Yoga, you will need to adopt these breathing techniques anyhow, as almost all the Yoga practices start from breathing techniques. The control over your breath opens the gate of further controls that you need to achieve to be successful in meditation.

Life's Rules for 2011 and Beyond

I don't know who collected all of these great things, but I wanted to share them.  I believe that these are very wise ideas and they were sent to me by my friend in Maryland, Rev. Sandi.  Enjoy!
Health:

1. Drink plenty of water.

2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.

3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..

4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy



5. Make time to prayer and meditation

6. Play more games



7. Read more books than you did in 2010

8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day

9. Sleep for at least 7 hours.

10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.



Personality:

11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.

14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.

16. Dream more while you are awake.

17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your friend or partner with His/Her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.

20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

23. Smile and laugh more.

24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree....



Society:

25. Call your family often.

26. Each day give something good to others.

27. Forgive everyone for everything.

28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.

29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

30. What other people think of you is none of your business.

31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.



Life:

32. Do the right thing!

33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

34. GOD heals everything.

35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change..

36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

37. The best is yet to come.

38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.

39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.



And, Most Importantly:









40. Everyday, say I LOVE YOU to those that give your life meaning.