Today I received this great ezine from Marci Shimoff, best selling author of Happy for No Reason. I often talk about the importance of breathing, which may sound odd because we all do it. However we don't always do it properly and sometimes we actually don't breathe. In the past I have found that I held my breath when stressed, worried or anxious. Extremely unhealthy. Abraham speaking through Ester Hicks says breathing is as important as eating and sleeping and we should consciously choose places to breathe and take time to breathe deeply as often as possible. I have gotten into the habit of taking time each day, often two or three times a day, just to breathe as deeply as possible. It is amazing how after only a few minutes of doing that I begin to feel better and even think more clearly.

Give yourself a treat every day and go outside and do some deep breathing. You will be so happy you did.

Here's to taking Action

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Darth Vader Breathing


For the last year I’ve been spending far too many hours indoors—in hotel rooms and conference centers and on airplanes. I’ve been craving nature, the earth, beauty, silence, and even exercise. (Sprinting through airports in high heels and nylons is not the best way to work out, though I hope I get at least a few Brownie points for it!)

When spring recently burst on the scene, my husband, Sergio, and I made a commitment to go for a hike every weekend. A few weeks ago we went on a lovely hike in the Northern California redwoods.

While appreciating the extraordinary feel and beauty of the woods, I found myself having a hard time getting up the hills. As I panted and struggled more and more, I was out of breath, tired, and not having a good time!

Then I remembered the advice of my good friend, Dr. John Douillard, who said when you breathe in and out through your mouth you’re exhausting and aging yourself. Years ago he taught me a different way to breathe that increases energy, reverses aging, and promotes greater happiness and well-being.

John called it “Darth Vader” breathing, because when you’re doing it right, you sound just like the Star Wars character. In yoga circles it’s called “Ocean Breath” (it also sounds like the ocean) or ujjayi pranayama, which translates as “the breath that gives victory over fear.” I call it bliss breathing, because it always makes me feel joyful.

John recommends breathing this way while meditating, sitting at your desk, or exercising, so I tried it during my hike. I quickly noticed I was no longer out of breath, and I was feeling more energy—even though I was trudging up a steep hill. Within minutes, I felt a bliss that lasted throughout the day. It worked!

Modern scientific studies are now catching up with ancient wisdom showing that breathing properly can make us feel good—fast. Darth Vader breathing creates a healing response in the body. As the lungs absorb more oxygen, circulation and metabolism improve. This increases your overall life energy.

The next time you’re feeling down or sluggish, try Darth Vader breathing. It’s easy but so powerful. Here’s how:

1. Start by inhaling and exhaling through your mouth, pulling the air from the back of the throat to make it sound like Darth Vader. You will feel the back of the throat slightly constricting. (You can also imagine you’re fogging up a pair of glasses.)

2. Once you get the hang of the sound, close your mouth, and continue inhaling and exhaling in the same way. Take slow and deep breaths. When you’re doing it correctly, you’ll hear the breath coming in and going out. This is the sound people make right before they go to sleep, when they are very relaxed.

Practice this a few times each and every day, breathing your way to greater happiness and bliss!

Happily,


Marci Shimoff

Marci Shimoff’s Exclusive Radio Show June 16

Stay tuned for Marci Shimoff's exclusive show on Women's Radio, a service of Women's Online Media and Education Network, on June 16, 2008. Read more details by clicking the link below.

http://www.womensradio.com/


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Share your experiences raising your happiness set-point on the Happy for No Reason discussion forum.

Share your experiences raising your happiness set-point on the Happy for No Reason discussion forum.

www.HappyForNoReason.com/forum


Marci Shimoff is a celebrated transformational leader
and #1 New York Times best-selling author. To learn
more of her powerful techniques for establishing deep
and authentic happiness and well-being, visit
www.happyfornoreason.com