The Art of Breathing

Life at times is full on, fast-paced and challenging. One minute you're on top of the world and another minute you're in the slums. The mind is such a powerful system. Your thoughts literally create your perspective and your perspective forms your life. You are what you think.

I'd be lying to you if I told you life was sunny and rosy all the time. You are going to get times when you feel like life is against you, your backs to the wall, and nothing is going your way. The key here is not what you do, it's how you react to these situations. Are you laser focusing on all the negative that's going on around you? Or do you brush it off and let it pass and just accept it for what it is?

The goal here is to aim for the second and re-wire that perspective.

One tool that has helped me to overcome stress, anxiety, and sickness is a slightly adjusted breathing technique created by a man named Wim Hof.

Just to give you a quick overview: Wim Hof—also known as the Ice Man—is an ultra athlete and adventurer who has overcome some incredible tasks, notably climbing Mt. Everest in only his shorts. Please do some research into this man, as he has some amazing insights into life.

When done correctly and consistently, this technique will change your life and raise your vibration. Your overall AURA will enhance and you will look at life through a positive perspective.

The breathing regime and exercises that I've used on a daily basis consist of a six-minute session in the morning shortly after awakening and a 10 to 15-minute session before bed.

Morning Session

Get yourself in a comfy position—whether it be lying down or sitting up. Take three big breathes, breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth. On the third exhale, slowly lower and shut your eyes, and become comfortable and relaxed with your breath. Now slowly tilt your head so your face is looking up. I want you to focus your eyes on looking between the eyebrows (your pineal gland also know as the third eye) over the next three breaths. With each inhale, give gratitude for something that you're thankful for in your life. For example: Breath 1: Thank you for my health. Breath 2: I'm so grateful for my family. Breath 3: Thank you for life. Please choose whatever you're thankful for. And on the exhale, relax.

This will now be the vibrational recharge section of the session. After the 3rd exhale I want you to now breath in as hard as you can through your mouth, fill up your lungs completely and then relax with your exhale. This exhale should be nice and quick.

The goal here is to get as much oxygen into the body as possible and the breaths to flow.

We are going to do 100 breaths in a row. This should take roughly five minutes.

*Very Important: This technique will have you feeling sensations all over the body, vibrations all around, and you may feel slightly lightheaded. At any stage during this exercise if you feel sick, please do not continue.

From here after, you have completed the 100 breaths. You now want to calm the breathing down by getting back into a natural rhythm. Once this natural rhythm is found, you may open your eyes and feel the beautiful benefits of this technique.

Night Session

This one's more about calming the mind and body down. Light a candle, put on some soothing music, and enjoy your own company.

Just like the morning session, get into a comfy position—whether it be lying down or sitting up. Take three big breathes, breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth. On the third, exhale slowly, lower and shut your eyes, and become comfortable and relaxed with your breath. Now slowly tilt your head so your face is looking up. I want you to focus your eyes on looking between the eyebrows (your pineal gland also known as the third eye) over the next three breaths. With each inhale, give gratitude for something that you're thankful for in your life. For example: Breath 1: Thank you for my health. Breath 2: I'm so grateful for my family. Breath 3: Thank you for life. Please choose whatever you're thankful for. And on the exhale, relax.

Now set your intention for the meditation.

Focus on your breathing and audit your thoughts. Thoughts will come and pass, absorb the positive and let go of the negative.