A few months ago I was talking with my friend Ed, a veteran police officer and all around good guy. He started sharing with me about some rather unorthodox police training he had received. Namely, the police were training officers how to breathe. More specifically they were learning Box Breathing, a method of breathing that is proven to lower your heart rate and calm your nerves. Needles to say I was intrigued. He told me about it’s use in the field, and how recently on the way to a high stakes operation (bank robbery maybe?) the car of officers all simultaneously broke into their box breathing in anticipation! If it can bring calm in those high pressure situations imagine what it can do for you.
Originally created by the Navy Seals, Box Breathing is named after the four equal sections involved in the exercise. First exhale to the count of 4. Then hold for 4 further seconds. Inhale slowly to the count of 4, and finally hold 4 more seconds before repeating. Continue for several minutes. Or even better, follow the instructions on screen as you listen to my composition Prelude in A. It’s inspired by Bach’s Prelude in D and the perfect accompaniment for box breathing and bringing a little calm to your day!
Also check out Episode #1 of Guitar With Breathwork for a quick calming break with Mozart!
