Collected works and current thoughts
Image by Alberto Capparelli
Credit to Rick Krause, he covers much of this in detail in his book “Laughing Buddha Tai Chi: Practical Secrets”, in the chapter on Longevity Breathing, page 89.
An Experiment to Try
While this can be done sitting or standing, until you’ve practiced it, do this seated.
- Sit down (important) comfortably.
- Put a hand lightly on your bellybutton.
- Push your hand out with your diaphragm/stomach.
- Hold that position lightly, no straining.
- Breath slowly, out breath longer than in breath
- Observe your breath. Into what part of your body are your breathing?
While doing this, you might try to breath into your upper chest. I find it hard to do so when I am actively engaging pushing out my belly.
Why Does This Work?
The simple act of breathing slowly while keeping your stomach pushed out, is a deconstructed version of diaphragmatic breathing. Diaphragmatic breathing reduces stress, inflammation, and is generally relaxing and calming.
You can prime the pump by pushing your stomach out, and holding it out. While not as effective as coordinating your breath with your diaphragm, it is a quick way to signal to the body you’d like to start to calm down.
This works because of the mind-body connection; it’s a 2-way street. Much like if you smile, it will help to lift your mood. If you push your stomach out, it will tend to move your breathing to a pattern than stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system.
It’s also a good point of focus for practicing sitting meditation.
The Laughing Buddha
The Laughing Buddha has a large, round belly. Like babies, he keeps it relaxed, playful, engaged in the moment. Keeping your stomach relaxed is itself a good practice, that can often feel hard to do. However, as a practice, it’s something you can do anywhere, anytime.
Also, if you start practicing this now, after not too long, your brain will form a stronger association with the action, pushing your stomach out, and the reaction, up-ticking the parasympathetic nervous system.
With sufficient practice, you’ll find it becomes a quick way to stop digging the hole you are currently digging. You might find yourself getting worked up, and breathing high into your chest. Push your stomach out. Stop digging the hole.
You can actively assist in restoring yourself to the Laughing Buddha state by first pushing your belly out.
Enjoy!
