Spiritual Resources for Positive Living: Press

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Here’s a technique for getting into a relaxed, sometimes even blissful state quickly. I was taught this in college at Yoga classes...long ago and far away. It is called Alternate Nostril Breathing. Here's how you do it:
1. Put your right hand up to your nose. Hold your index and middle fingers on your forehead to hold your hand stable. You'll notice your thumb is on the right side of your nose and your little finger is on the left side.
2. Now use your thumb to plug your right nostril. Take a slow, deep breath in through your left nostril, counting to eight. Slow down your in-breath so it takes eight seconds to fill your lungs.
3. Plug your left nostril (so both sides are now blocked) and hold your breath to a count of eight.
4. Now lift your thumb off your right nostril (keeping your left nostril plugged) and breathe out steadily, through your right nostril only, for a count of eight.
5. Do not pause at the end of the breath. Immediately start breathing in and breathe in through the right nostril to a count of eight.
6. Plug both sides and hold your breathe for a count of eight.
7. Now breathe out through your left nostril for a count of eight.
8. Start all over again, breathing in through your left nostril.
Breathe in and out as quietly as you can. This makes your breath slow and even.
This seems a lot more complicated than it is. It's very simple once you've done it a couple times.
This technique occupies your mind. All the holding and counting is absorbing. This simple activity successfully keeps out other thoughts, allowing you to get lost in it. It is easier to concentrate on alternate nostril breathing than on a mantra. And it is very relaxing.
Doing it for a few minutes is a great preparation for meditation too.