Be Calmer: Slowly Can Be Faster and Alternate Nostril Breathing Practice

Learn two simple ways do improve your life and become a calmer person.

1 - Slowly Can Be Faster

If we try harder, we will get results faster. We many have been taught this way, but this logic does not always apply and often the opposite is true.

On some issues, the more we strive, the more difficult it is for things to happen and the results may even be the opposite of what we want because of this excessive, unnatural effort.

Trying to force things to happen faster is not always a good idea and in matters like mindfulness and meditation, this often happens.

The process of getting to know each other better and learning how to deal with our emotions and thoughts takes time and requires patience to reach the results we want to achieve.

It is not because we decide that we are going to be calmer people that we immediately become calmer people.

It is not because we decide, mentally, that we will start to practice more compassion and delicacy with others that this happens immediately.

These are changes that require time and practice and that have to be carried out in a light and natural way in order to achieve the intended objective.

This idea is very well explained in this brief Zen tale(in another version of this story, the student says he is eager to attain “enlightenment”):

A martial arts student went to his teacher and said:

“I am devoted to studying your martial system.

How long will it take me to master it? “

The teacher’s replied:

“10 years”.

Impatiently, the student answered:

“But I want to master it faster than that. I will work very hard.

I will practice every day, ten or more hours a day if I have to.

How long will it take then? “

The teacher thought for a moment and replied:

“20 years.”

This story reminds us that we must be patient and let things go their way.

In many matters, there is no point in trying to force things. Doing so can have the opposite effect of what we want and end up delaying the process instead of speeding it up.

It is best to appreciate the route and not just think about the destination — that’s what will make our journey pleasant.

Sometimes going slowly is taking the fastest road.

2 - Try Alternate Nostril Breathing Practice

This is a simple technique to calm your mind and body that you can use when you are feeling anxiety or stress. Also known as “Nadi Shodhana” this technique can also be used as a preparation for a meditation session.

It can help you improve respiratory function and to be more focused.

The benefits

Some studies suggest that alternate Nostril Breathing can have several benefits, like:

• Reduce stress levels
• Improves cardiovascular function
• Improves lung function
• Increase respiratory endurance
• Lower heart rate

The precautions

If you have any medical condition such as asthma or any other lung or heart concern, it is recommended that you discuss it with your doctor before starting this practice.

Also, if you feel negative effects (feeling dizzy, nauseous, or shortness of breath) while doing the breathing technique, you should stop immediately.

How to practice Alternate Nostril Breathing

Seat in a comfortable position.

Bring your right hand in front of your face.

Close your eyes.

Take one deep breath in and out through your nose.

Now, use your right thumb to close your right nostril.

Next, inhale through the left nostril slowly and steadily.

Close the left nostril with your ring finger and hold your breath there for a moment (a brief pause).

Next, open your right nostril and release the breath through the right side, slowly.

Make a brief pause at the end of the exhale (hold for a moment before inhaling).

Next, inhale slowly through the right side.

Using your ring finger and thumb, hold both nostrils closed for a moment.

Next, open your left nostril and release your breath slowly through the left side, and make a brief pause at the end of the exhale (hold for a moment before inhaling).

You can repeat this series for about 5 minutes if it feels comfortable for you. If you experience any discomfort, remember to stop immediately.

If you need help to adjust the time for each step (each step should take the same time), you can count up to 5. For example: inhale (count 1,2,3,4,5), hold (for 1,2,3,4,5), release (during 1,2,3,4,5), pause (for 1,2,3,4,5) before start inhaling again.

If you experience benefits from using the alternate Nostril Breathing technique, remember this as is one more tool that is always available to help you calm down.