The Art of Breathing

Inhalation and Exhalation of air are a necessary and important condition to define Breathing, yet
from a spiritual or therapeutic point of view not sufficient. More subtle dimensions, always linked to
the physiologic circulation of air, are considered at least equally important: the charging with energy
/ magnetism at different levels aiming at the refinement of spiritual aggregate states (ascent /
Ascension) and the strengthening of personality.
Well, after all it is quite simple. There are three naked foundation-stones (from which variations
depart):
1. Inhale at least two times as long than exhale will increase your energy (that is to say kinetic
energy, to work with). Battery is charged.
2. Exhale at least two times as long than inhale will decrease kinetic energy, yet increase potential
energy. A state of relaxation is the result.
3. Exhale and inhale the equal period of time will increase inward balance (no fast breathing, no
Hyperventilation).
During breathing, time has to be measured exactly, to create a certain rhythm. It is like the different
rhythms in music, different rhythms are serving different emotions and states of mind. You may
follow the beats of a metronome or better, your own heartbeats.

Holding the Breath

The Holding of Breath is always a catalyst. It will increase the outlined effects. Holding after
inhalation will increase kinetic energy. Holding after exhalation will increase potential energy.

Examples
Inhalation Hold Exhalation Hold

These four parts make a complete breathing-cycle

1 - 2 - 1 - 0 /// 2 - 4 - 2 - 0 /// 3 - 6 - 3 - 0 /// 4 - 8 - 4 - 0) and so on

fast charge of battery with kinetic energy
1 - 0 - 2 - 0 /// 1 - 0 - 3 - 0 /// 1 - 0 - 4 0
1 - 0 - 1 - 1 /// 1 - 0 - 1 - 2 ///
1 -0 - 2 - 1 /// 1 - 0 - 2 2 ///
1 0 3 0 /// 1 0 3 1 /// 1 0 3 2 /// and so on
increasing strong and deep relaxation
1 - 1 - 1 - 1 /// 2 - 2 - 2 - 2 /// 3 - 3 - 3 - 3 /// and so on
powerful and wonderful exercise of getting into Balance.

Experience shows it advisable to keep within a complete breathing - cycle to a four-four stroke (4/4
stroke). The result of this stroke is more harmonic compared to other possible strokes. This stroke is
marked red. Most children-songs have a 4/4 stroke.
Essentially, thats it. Apart from these basics many therapist-breathing-schools exist, teaching
specific breathing-techniques with specific intended results.
Well, there is a lot of breathing, yet usually with disregard to five elementary attributes of the
breath, which are responsible for the degree of its power and magnetism (Hazrat Inayat Khan). This
may be compared to a house: all humans live in some sort of house, yet different materials, forms
and attributes lead to a different quality of live in different houses.

1. The Depths of the Breath

Cellar and loft belong to the living-area of a house as well, that is to say, deep breathing is passing
through all cells of the body.
2. The Width (Extension) of the Breath
The beauty of a house depends not least on quality and awareness of our perception, that is to say,
the power of breath depends to some extent on the quality of its conscious perception.
3. The Volume of the Breath
This means the breathing-resonance-space of the body: diaphragm, chest and belly, most of all the
surface of the skin. Breathing through all cells of the skin / body simultaneously makes the soul
powerful and happy. A living house is attracting many beings of all kind, to rest and to live in.
4. The rhythm of Breath (outlined above)
Already its conscious perception without inputs from outside deepens the breathing and leads to a
natural rhythm.
The residents of a house see days and nights, summers and winters. They change the natural rhythm
by extending the days with lamps and lights at the cost of the nights. The natural rhythm lie down
and rise with the chickens is our days experienced and highly valued only at special retreats.
5. To center the Breath
In fact, breathing uses two cooperating centers: lungs and diaphragm. Yet a more subtle dimension
of the breath centers right below the navel.
A house may have two centers: kitchen and living-room. Yet spiritual longing of the residents may
arrange a meditation-room (altar-room) as to become the spiritual center.
Assad Splieth

Nrnberg, 21.03.2014
actualized 17.11.2014