How to shift negative thoughts and beliefs Do you struggle to get out of negative thoughts about yourself or your situation? Perhaps you are tired of hearing the same old beliefs about yourself? Well here is a breath-based technique that will help you to shift from the shadow into the light of joy. This technique will help you to shift your perceptions and grab a little space between you and your thoughts and beliefs. From that space, you will be able to feel lighter and see more clearly. it’s natural for the mind to focus on negativity, the things that go wrong, as this trait has helped humans survive for so long. It is time for us to re-take control of our mind. So here is the simple breathing exercise to dispel the shadows: Stand upSet your intention to clear negative thoughts and beliefsTake three small connected breaths. Breathe in through...

Breathe in through the nose for a slow count of 7. Hold for a count of 1 Breathe out through the nose for a slow count of 7. Pausing for a count of 1 Continue for several minutes.

Breathe in through the nose for a slow count f of 8. Hold for a count of 32. Breathe out through the nose for a slow count of 16. Continue for several minutes, with no pause after the exhale. Be free to experiment with rhythms what matters is settling into a soothing, calming flow. Rhythmic breathing is also great while walking (timed by your steps), running, biking, and most other forms of exercise.

A steady, controlled breathing rhythm over a sustained period can have a calming, centring, and energizing effect for the breather.

This style of breathing exercise has been practised for centuries by shamans, meditators and layperson alike.

A very fine, short (though not shallow) breath exercise comes from the Chinese Tai Chi Chuan. In subtle ways, this exercise uses the body in leading the mind and spirit to greater openness with each other and the environment.