Subsistence Breath

(This was a reply on Facebook that spoke to many people.)

Q: What is it about this practice that enables people to hold their breath out longer?

A: Most people barely use their lungs at all, but live on "subsistence breath." The body responds positively when we start to "exercise" and develop the breath, ribs, spine, musculature and fascia. We have 5 lobes to our lungs but we scarcely use 2 of them. There is a lot of room for growth. That is what the breath yogis were into. Both internal and external kumbhaka (I drop the word 'hold' and prefer the words "float," or "pause") becomes natural, no struggle. Let physiology lead the way, not the mind and not the ego that is trying to get somewhere. Be with this next breath, as it is and respond sensitively to that. Have your mind filled with Love, Gratitude, Forgiveness, Acceptance, Kindness, Reverence, Awe, Wonder or a wholesome mind state of your choosing. That really works. It is kumbhaka without trying.

You will find over months, this will continue to grow. As cellular respiration increases, the breath will slow down to 4 breaths per minute, 3,2,1. When the breath is this slow, the mind enters new territory. A wordless presence arises without forcing or trying. A continuously highly alert focus on the present moment will predominate, rather than the blathering babbling nonsense that usually passes for thoughts in our nogins.