Folded Leaf Breath

Breathing tends to become ragged, uneven and erratic when you are stressed, tired, frightened, angry or in pain. Since your breathing bridges mind, body and spirit, it is a wonderful tool for getting yourself calm and centered quickly.

This is one of those rare occasions when you are guided to breathe in through your mouth. The narrow, rough, moist surface of your folded tongue will do an adequate (albeit temporary) job of preparing the incoming air for your lungs. The narrow channel for the incoming breath will automatically slow and smooth out your breathing.

1. Stick out your relaxed tongue about one inch beyond your lips. Shape your lips into a small “O.” This should help you to curl up the outer edges of your tongue to form a tongue-trough that will channel each incoming breath.

2. Draw in a slow, steady, deep breath through your folded tongue-channel.

3. Exhale by pulling in your tongue, closing your mouth and breathing out through your nose.

The cycle is: in through the folded tongue-channel and out through the nose. Stop if your mouth begins to feel dry.

Yes, it is true that some people cannot shape their tongues this way. If you are one, then do Folded Leaf by breathing in through a fat drinking straw and out through you nose.

Be well. Breathe beautifully.