2. Notes on Circular Breathing

1) It is very important in Circular Breathing that you maintain the proper technique (which is the same as the technique for Total Breathing). Just because you are adding imagery doesn't mean that you should relax your technique. Instead, concentrate on using the imagery to help you with the breathing movements. The imagery and the breathing should work in harmony. Again, if you have difficulty, practice Total Breathing alone for awhile, before attempting to perform Circular Breathing again.

2) Make sure that your breathing continues to be slow and rhythmic. Some people have a tendency to break their breathing rhythm or change it because they are focusing on the imagery. Maintain the two to four (or six, eight, etc.) ratio: four counts to inhale, four counts to hold, and eight counts (or longer) to exhale.

3) If you have trouble visualizing the flow of Ki, vary your visualization. For example, you can imagine that Ki is a brightly colored fluid of life force, flowing into your body, circling around your body, and then flowing back out of your body. Giving color and form to visualization may help you with the imagery.

4) Again, practice at least ten minutes at a time, for at least twice a day. Because of the addition of imagery, you will want to practice Circular Breathing when you have some private time without distractions to focus on the exercise. If you don't have time, and need to practice "on the run," just practice Abdominal, Reverse, and Total Breathing, so that you will continue to develop your physical skills in breathing.

5) Continue to practice Circular Breathing and extend the visualization exercise so that you imagine that the Ki flowing through your body is energizing every cell in your body before it passes out again. After you have practiced Circular Breathing consistently for awhile and can perform it "naturally" you will be ready for the final level, which will involve adding physical movements.

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