Many theories concerning the art of breathing have been exploited in
recent years. Numerous books dealing with the subject have been offered
to the public. The net results, however, have been unsatisfactory. The
appeal of this propaganda has met with comparatively little response.
The truth as to the importance of right method in breathing may have
been presented, but it has remained valueless, since it has not been
accepted and acted upon by those to whom it was addressed. Perhaps in
great measure the fault lies in the fact that the various advocates of
breath-systems have been too vague in their teachings, have expounded
the theory rather than the practice.
It is for this reason that I have been at pains to describe all
necessary exercises in such detail as to make the practice of them
simple and easy for every reader, I have arranged them in such order
as to make sure a rapid progress toward perfect breath-control, with
its consequent increase in health, beauty, efficiency and happiness.
It seems, indeed, difficult to impress on anybody not familiar with the
wonderful advantages of correct breathing, a full recognition of the
vital bearing breath-control has on the well-being of the individual.
Air is too ridiculously cheap to be much respected by most persons.
And, too, breathing is ordinarily automatic, requiring no thought.
Naturally enough, then, most persons give it no attention, since they
have no realization of its importance.
Nature has provided that all great things should be essentially simple.
It is thus with the process of breathing, which is the chief vital
functioning of the body.
An ancient philosopher has said:
“The more we desire to have that which is superfluous, the more we meet
with difficulties; the more necessary the thing is for living beings,
the more easily it is found and the cheaper it is: air, water and food
are indispensable to man. Air is most necessary, for if man is without
air a few moments he dies, whilst he can be without water a day or
longer. Air is undoubtedly found more easily and is cheaper than water.
Water is more necessary than food, and is proportionately cheaper; and
so on, as to the different kinds of food and luxuries.”
Note well the undeniable fact as asserted by the philosopher, that air
is of the first importance.
If air had to be paid for, or if only a very limited amount were to be
distributed to each consumer, there would be an instant and universal
recognition of its supreme value. Its restriction would compel every
individual to appreciate the unique worth of the true Elixir of Life.