Learning natural deep breathing is like learning to play a musical instrument.

First of all we need to take lessons; then, just as important, we need to practice what we learned in the lessons. It starts with remembering to breathe fully and deeply all the time, which, as chronic shallow breathers we easily forget. So we need reminders.

"The full breath irrigates and cleanses our whole body."

To become aware of one's breathing is the first step. Because old habits die hard, we have to make deep breathing a priority. The good news is that the air is free and it hardly takes any extra time to breathe deeply. Try it out while walking, standing in a line up, while driving, watching TV, in the office, during meal-times, upon waking up and before going to sleep. There are endless opportunities.

To become an accomplished musician one needs to have a love for the instrument, perseverance, and commitment. It is the same with Breathing. Even though it sounds simple and basic, there can be, initially, some difficulty in breathing deeply. It is not always easy to switch from chronic shallow breathing to full deep breathing. I speak from my own experience.

"Something inside me has reached to the place where the world is breathing." Kabir

If you have difficulties with breathing deeply, even if you just remember to take a few deep breaths several times a day, this is a beginning and will make a difference to your life. Andrew Weil, MD (a natural health guru) says: "If there is only one thing you can do for your health it is to breathe more." Start with breath awareness and simple breathing exercises. However, once you get it you will never want to go back to shallow breathing, that I can promise you. The breath becomes your lifeline and your trusted friend. It is the foundation of the Breathe and Heal practice. See also the benefits of deep natural breathing page.

"There is a way of breathing that is a shame and a suffocation. And there is another way that lets you open infinitely." Rumi (12th century Sufi mystic),:Translated by Coleman Barks