Breathing exercises
Taoist relaxation breathing
Although, in a sense, all breathing exercises may be used for relaxation, this particular Taoist exercise is especially good for relaxing and dealing with feelings of anxiety. It gives prompt and quick relief; however, the effects can be quite temporary, so consistent and repeated practice is required to prolong and deepen the results. This breathing exercise is suitable for everyone and can be practiced in any situation or position whether sitting, standing, walking or lying in bed.
The Taoist relaxation breathing exercise is very simple: “Listen to your breathing.” Nothing more, except persistence and patience. The breathing cycle involves inhalation (yang) followed by exhalation (yin). When you listen to your breathing, you naturally tend to take deeper and gradually longer breaths, your mental activities become quieter as the mind harmonizes itself with the slower rhythm of your breathing pattern. By focusing your attention on the sound of your breathing, your mind will start to drift from whatever has been disturbing, exciting or fatiguing you.
How long do you have to listen to the breathing? If the exercise is to be effective, persistence is important, you need to keep listening to your breaths until you finally do not hear them. As you practice this exercise you should start to feel any anxieties drift away. There is nothing, of course, to stop you returning to anxious thoughts and feelings when you turn your mind back to your everyday activities. However, whether you sleep or become occupied by other activities, your mind and body will be relaxed, revitalised and much better prepared to cope with the task of living.
Traditionally Taoist’s seek self-containment; this technique requires nothing more than your time, patience and the ability and willingness to listen to your own sounds until they can’t be heard anymore.
