Technical Difficulties….Walking in the Fog…Root Canal Redux

OK, today’s message will be a mix o’ stuff, kinda like the holiday
potpourri you may be buying at this time of year. Hope you like
potpourri (but can you pronounce it?)

First off: Thank you kind readers…those of you who have emailed
me about a “missing link” – actually a non-functional link – in
the email you were sent to confirm your subscription.

As far as I can tell, if you have clicked the link you have, indeed,
been confirmed as a subscriber for these tips. So you can settle
down and relax. I think it’s all OK, but let me know if you are
having any problems receiving your tips.

We have checked with our email vendor and they are investigating
the nature of the problem. When you click, you should be brought
to a page on the Best Breathing website, telling you that you are
confirmed.

We’ll get it taken care of – but thanks again for alerting me to
the problem. I’m not the most technologically savvy person, but
I do try to do a lot of the website and set-up stuff myself, so I
know how it all works. And I try to be attentive to detail but,
sometimes, stuff just don’t work like it’s supposed to.

Moving on…..My second topic is to update you on my root canal.

Thank you again for all of the kind messages of condolences.
Wow, I had no idea that so many people have had root canals.
Most confirmed how unpleasant a procedure it can be.

Just to update you, I am doing quite well. A little discomfort
here and there, but nothing major.Actually, the area in my jaw
where they stuck in that looong novacaine needle is the only sore
spot.

And I have not – repeat not – used the Vicodin! No Rush
Limbaugh story in the making here. I think I have a slightly
addictive personality as it is, so I stear clear of narcotics
and powerful pain relievers. I prefer to relieve pain the
natural way, through breathing and visualization.

Which leads me to my final topic – breathing to add zest and
enjoyment to your activities.

This morning I set out for my daily walk / run – but it was
quite foggy out. We live near Lake Travis, so morning fog is
nothing unusual. But we were really socked in.

So it was kind of eery walking down towards the lake. I
couldn’t even see the lake til I was quite close.

I noticed something interesting: with my lovely view denied me,
I found myself naturally turning inward. I focused even
more than usual on my breathing. It truly enhanced my walk.

You know, any kind of activity you do, from working at your
desk, to lifting weights, to walking or running, to having
sex…can be enhanced through breathing.

“But wait a minute, Karen. Isn’t breathing natural? Don’t we
automatically breathe the way we need to when we do something?”

Well, yes and no.

We usually breathe the way we need to when performing some
type of movement that requires energy.

For example, next time you have to pick up something reasonably
heavy, observe how your body reacts.

You’ll find that you naturally tense your abdominal muscles,
your core muscles, and hold your breath for a second as you
lift up the object. These actions provide you with greater
strength and stability.

But I’m constantly amazed at how many people do not carry this
natural breathing and tensing pattern into their exercise
program.

Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of getting my
breathing in synch with my movement. I did it at first to
help compensate for what was then a severe case of asthma.
But I quickly realized that breathing properly helped enhance
my power and stamina.

Whether lifting weights, performing bodyweight exercises
(calisthenics), stretching, walking, running — the activity
doesn’t matter. When you learn how to breathe, and then apply
that to your chosen activity, you will see what a difference
it makes.

Not just in terms of performance and results. But also in
terms of your enjoyment of the activity, and the great feeling
you get after completing the activity.

That’s why, at the end of my walk or run, I don’t feel
fatigued – even though I usually finish be coming back up
the steep hills leading to our house. Instead, I feel great,
ready to take on the world.

Have a great weekend, my friend!

You Can Do It!

Karen Van Ness

www.BestBreathingExercises.com

P.S. In the Secret Power of Dynamic Energy Exercise Course,
Volume I: Invigorate and Rejuvenate, I teach you how to breathe
AND how to coordinate your breathing to your movements. You can
then apply this to virtually any type of activity. To experience
the sensation of being relaxed, in rhythm, and in control, order
your copy of program today at the Best Breathing Exercises
website. Here’s the link if you would like more information:

http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/dynamic_energy1.html

Copyright, Karen Van Ness, 2010