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Take a deep breath - Excerpt from from 'Breath' by James Nestor

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Hey everyone,

I suddenly can't shut up about the book '​Breath​' by James Nestor. I have so many dog-eared pages, so many highlights. Basically I've realized that me and maybe half of us are breathing completely wrong. I'll share my full review on Saturday, but for now I wanted to leave you with the book's Epigraph which is from a 2500-year-old stone inscription in China.

Take a deep breath, read it slowly, and ask yourself if you feel you can breathe better. Check out the book ​here​ and make sure you're on my book club mailing list ​here​.

Neil

 
 
 

In transporting the breath, the inhalation must be full. When it is full, it has big capacity. When it has big capacity, it can be extended. When it is extended, it can penetrate downward. When it penetrates downward, it will be come calmly settled. When it is calmly settled, it will be strong and firm. When it is strong and firm, it will germinate. When it germinates, it will grow. When it grows, it will retreat upward. When it retreats upward, it will reach the top of the head. The secret power of Providence moves above. The secret power of the Earth moves below. He who follows this will live. He who acts against this will die.

—500 BCE Zhou Dynasty stone inscription

Want to harness your breathe to help you meditate but afraid of doing it wrong? Learn the three biggest myths about meditation ​here​.

Did you know that trees release phytoncides, chemicals that can reduce adrenaline and cortisol in your body? Practice your deep breathing and ​take a walk in nature​.

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