Body work Quote by Cameron Stauth
““THE RETAINED BREATH This form of pranayama strengthens the muscles of the lung and expands the chest. It also increases oxygenation of the blood, which is of particular benefit to the liver and the other organs of digestion. In addition, it enhances the exit of blood-borne toxins through the lungs. When you do this exercise, do not hold the breath longer than 10 seconds, because this can sometimes cause dizziness. As Yogi Bhajan has noted, dizziness is not enlightenment. 1. Standing or sitting erect, inhale a Complete Breath through your nose, pulling in your chin. 2. Retain the air for 10 seconds, as you remain still and calm. If you have the urge to exhale, inhale slightly instead. 3. Exhale through the nose. Throughout this exercise, create a calm internal spot in your awareness, and observe the changes in your body and mind. Breath retention will make your body work at a higher level of efficiency. It will also train you to remain rational during stress or pressure. To master this is to master the inflow and outflow of the life force. The effects of the Retained Breath are: • Toning of chest muscles • Heightened oxygenation • Improved digestion and liver function • Improved conscious awareness of breath””
About This Quote
Source Book: Pranayama Practices by Yogi Bhajan, 1995
A breathing exercise that holds the breath for ten seconds to boost oxygen, strengthen chest muscles, aid digestion, and improve mental calmness under stress.
In simple terms: Hold breath ten seconds to increase oxygen and calm mind.
Practice daily for better health and stress resilience.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- yoga class
- morning routine
- pre‑workout prep
- stressful meeting
- meditation session
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does breath control affect your stress response?
- Can you integrate this into your daily routine?
Holding too long may cause dizziness; not suitable for those with lung issues.