Breathing Exercise 1 - Hissing

* Breathe in to the count of four, breathe out, hissing, for four
* Breathe in for 6, and hiss out for 10
* Breathe in for 6, hiss out for 12
* Breathe in for 2, hiss out for 12
* Breathe in for 4, hiss out for 16
* Breathe in for 2, hiss out for 16
* Breathe in for 4, hiss out for 20
* Breathe in for 1, hiss out for 20

The idea behind the hissing is to monitor your breathing, and ensure that you can last through long phrases, and be economical with your breathing. Make sure the hiss is consistent; that it is not louder at the beginning than at the end. You are aiming for smooth even sound.


Breathing Exercise 2 - Snatched Breaths

• Breathing in gradually, think of your lungs filling up in fractions, when counting. Focus on the diaphragm, being careful not to hold tension in the throat.
• On the count of '1' - breathe in (1/4 full)
• '2' - (1/2 full)
• '3' - (3/4 full)
• '4' - (full)
• 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 - breathe out, gradually. (For a deep effective breath within a short space of time, releasing the diaphragm and filling up the lungs quickly.)
• Repeat, on the count of '1' - breathe in (1/2 full) '2' - (full)
• 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 - breathe out gradually.