More On Breath

In achieving goals it’s useful to be in an activated, alert state. But not in an anxious/agitated state.

Sometimes in focusing on the goal, the need to “hurry and get there” can actually interfere and in fact slow you down. On the flip side, being under motivated can interfere with optimum focus as well.

If you find your mood too activated/anxious/agitated one breath approach that works to regulate the breath and bring you to a calm and alert state is called LEFT NOSTRIL BREATHING. I like to call it “lazy left” as a way to remember that breathing in and out of the left nostril calms the breath and the mood.

Here’s how it works. You hold your right thumb (or index finger, whichever is more comfortable) on the right nostril to close off the breath, and breathe in deeply through the left nostril till the abdomen expands fully. Then breathe out through the same left nostril for as long as you can. It is best if the out breath is longer than the in breath. You will need to do this many times. In and out, in and out… for at least 5 minutes. You will know when it feels right to stop.

When your energy is too low it is useful to do RIGHT NOSTRIL BREATHING. “Right rising” as a way to remember it. Again, as with the left nostril, you breathe in deeply until your abdomen is fully expanded, and then breathe out through the same right nostril. You can use your left thumb (or index finger, whichever is more comfortable) to close the left nostril. Breathe out longer than you breathe in if possible. And many times, in and out. Probably for at least 5 minutes. You will know when it feels right to stop.

The value of breath work is that it facilitates optimum focus so you can concentrate on the tasks that are important towards reaching your goal.