Praanaayaama's true intent

Use a ratio to slow down your breath? 

Surely you are joking. It doesn't work. Your physiology prevents you. The body closely guards the oxygen levels in the body. We have all been taught breath ratios and this is why practically no one does praanaayaama in America.

We have been taught in yoga to "control the breath," "regulate the breath" and have missed the purpose and intention of praanaayaama which is to slow the breath down.

If the breath is going to slow down, you have to guide your physiology. The Breath is in charge; not your mind.

I am consistently and easily getting down into the 1.5 breaths per minute over 10 minutes without struggle or strain. In March I was at 2 breaths per minute. This is just a milestone. 

This is very affirming. Anyone can do what I have done. 

The method in This Next Breath works!

Everything about your perception of reality starts to change when the breath starts going that slow.