Blog - Think Possible Apparel (formerly Think Positive Apparel)

Giraffe Design Made of Affirmations About the Symbolism of the Giraffe

Our Giraffe Design is made out of affirmations relevant to the symbolism of the giraffe.

SYMBOLISM OF THE GIRAFFE: Getting a higher view — seeing the big picture — vision

Giraffes’ most obvious traits is their long necks. Practically speaking this gives them a great advantage at finding food since so few animals can reach where they can. But the other big advantage of a long neck is the ability to see much further than lower animals. This gives them the ability to see danger coming earlier. With great height comes great vision. With a higher view of things you can more easily see the whole picture or the big picture. In turn, you will have a better understanding of the full situation allowing you to better understand your options. And allowing you to more easily see the path leading you towards your goal.

SYMBOLISM OF THE GIRAFFE: Rising Above — Patience — Gentle Demeanor

When we rise above a situation we are letting go of our ego. We become a witness to what is happening without getting emotionally wrapped up in reacting to it. Giraffes literally rise above. But in a mindful sense they seem to move with great intention. Outside of dangerous situations they move slowly and with care. This serves them well in a hot environment. It also gives someone watching them the impression that they have a very gentle demeanor and great patience. When we rise above a situation it will be fleeting if we do not combine it with patience. Patience with ourselves and with others.

SYMBOLISM OF THE GIRAFFE: Gracefulness — Dignified — Confident

Giraffe’s have incredibly long legs that appear slender but are incredibly powerful. one of their best defenses is a mighty kick with their back legs. Most species protect their necks at all costs. Giraffes expose theirs in such an exaggerated way it is hard not to feel their confidence. They gracefully swing long limbs and their long neck with no sign of clumsiness. There is also a strong sense of dignity with someone that is standing tall and rising above the lure of the ego. Keep your head held high and feel your power as you gracefully move through this world.

SYMBOLISM OF THE GIRAFFE: Stretching towards your best self

The giraffe reminds us to stretch towards our best self. With a better understanding of the big picture we can see our role in it more clearly in it. At any given moment we can strive for the best version of our self by rising above the ego.

SYMBOLISM OF THE GIRAFFE: Perceive Truth

Giraffes represent having a clear perception of the truth. This symbolism can be attributed to having their heads so high to see the farther into the horizon and thus the big picture. Another contributing fact about giraffes to this notion of perceiving truth is their two ossicones on top of their heads at their crown chokra. Some people look at those as antenna that allow them to tap into the spirit realm. With this extra sensory perception comes the ability to see more than just what is visually before us. We can exhibit foresight and see future trends.

SYMBOLISM OF THE GIRAFFE: Heightened awareness

Giraffes only sleep for roughly five minute increments adding up to no more than 30 minutes every 24 hours. So in pure minutes of alertness per day giraffes are practically unrivaled. Combine this with the view from their tall neck perches allowing them to see further and you have an extreme example of heightened awareness. While sleeping so little would undoubtedly dull a human’s cognitive functions the notion that we can be even more aware in any given situation is a nice connection to this aspect of the symbolism of the giraffe. When we take on the spirit of the giraffe we are opening ourselves to becoming even more aware of the abundance of opportunities surrounding us all the time.

Expansion of Awareness

Speaking of awareness… The affirmations in the Giraffe design expand from the “I am” statements, to ‘You are’, and then ‘We are’. This represents a pattern everyone goes through over and over again as we begin new endeavors. Take learning yoga for example. I start in my own head having an internal experience centered on how I am doing a new act. Then I look at you and compare my way to yours. Finally, when we are simply doing the act with everyone else doing it, we are all together flowing as a ‘we’. All three stages are important and a part of the process.

Affirmations in this Giraffe design

Here are all of the affirmations we used in this design. All of them are relevant to the symbolism of the giraffe:

· I am seeing the big picture
· You are applying foresight
· We are making healthy choices
· I am creating opportunity
· You are unique
· We are reaching
· I am being true to myself
· You are meditating
· We are quietly observing
· I am finding courage
· You are maintaining balance
· We are exuding dignity
· I am graceful
· You are moving deliberately
· We are surefooted
· I am keeping my head up
· You are kind
· We are reaching for the stars
· I am aspiring
· You are questioning current perspectives
· We are envisioning good things
· I am patient
· You are growing spiritually
· We are honorable
· I am growing
· You are moving slowly
· We are maintaining balance
· I am walking my talk
· You are trusting instincts
· We are contemplating
· I am setting big goals
· You are confident
· We are discovering new opportunities
· I am keep goals in plain sight
· You are exuding dignity
· We are fabulous
· I am applying foresight
· You are empathetic
· We are walking our talk
· I am remaining grounded
· You are keeping your head up
· We are tender hearted
· I am envisioning good things
· You are reconnecting
· We are in tune
· I am standing tall
· You are stretching
· We are seeing the big picture
· I am elegant
· You are powerful
· We are powerful
· I am striving
· You are looking far into the horizon
· We are finding courage
· I am flexible
· You are in tune
· We are trusting instincts
· I am moving deliberately
· You are protecting
· We are creating opportunity
· I am fabulous
· You are connecting with your higher self
· We are elegant
· I am empathetic
· You are bold
· We are taking aim at tall targets
· I am rising above
· You are growing
· We are sense what’s coming
· I am engaging with unique perspectives
· You are taking the high road
· We are standing strong
· I am seeing more clearly
· You are creating opportunity
· We are meditating
· I am grateful
· You are taking aim at tall targets
· We are keep goals in plain sight
· I am honorable
· You are rising above the crowd
· We are seeing the context
· I am maintaining balance
· You are quietly observing
· We are rising above
· I am protecting
· You are seeing future trends
· We are respected
· I am intuitive
· You are gentle
· We are growing spiritually
· I am trusting instincts
· You are walking gently
· We are keeping our heads up
· I am unique
· You are making healthy choices
· We are quieting the mind
· I am looking far into the horizon
· You are standing strong
· We are patient
· I am tender hearted
· You are finding courage
· We are graceful
· I am adhering to a strong personal code
· You are seeing the context
· We are flexible
· I am moving slowly
· You are gaining perspective
· We are stretching
· I am bold
· You are being true yourself
· We are perceiving truth
· I am wisely using resources
· You are elegant
· We are connecting with our higher selves
· I am taking the high road
· You are quieting the mind
· We are questioning current perspectives
· I am in tune
· You are aspiring
· We are grateful
· I am gaining perspective
· You are seeking the best in life
· We are confident
· I am questioning current perspectives
· You are striving
· We are protecting
· I am gentle
· You are fabulous
· We are wisely using resources
· I am meditating
· You are walking your talk
· We are moving slowly
· I am reconnecting
· You are intuitive
· We are walking gently
· I am stretching
· You are seeing the big picture
· We are reconnecting
· I am contemplating
· You are reaching for the stars
· We are rising up to challenges
· I am sense what’s coming
· You are flexible
· We are bold
· I am seeking the best in life
· You are rising up to challenges
· We are looking far into the horizon
· I am heightening awareness
· You are remaining grounded
· We are growing
· I am reaching
· You are centered
· We are standing tall
· I am reaching for the stars
· You are adhering to a strong personal code
· We are gentle
· I am confident
· You are reaching
· We are seeking the best in life
· I am respected
· You are envisioning good things
· We are empathetic
· I am growing spiritually
· You are engaging with unique perspectives
· We are unique
· I am exuding dignity
· You are perceiving truth
· We are engaging with unique perspectives
· I am kind
· You are rising above
· We are seeing future trends
· I am rising up to challenges
· You are setting big goals
· We are striving
· I am powerful
· You are honorable
· We are centered
· I am walking gently
· You are tender hearted
· We are seeing more clearly
· I am centered
· You are discovering new opportunities
· We are kind
· I am connecting with my higher self
· You are seeing more clearly
· We are aspiring
· I am standing strong
· You are heightening awareness
· We are being true ourselves
· I am seeing the context
· You are graceful
· We are intuitive
· I am quieting the mind
· You are sense what’s coming
· We are gaining perspective
· I am quietly observing
· You are keep goals in plain sight
· We are remaining grounded
· I am making healthy choices
· You are grateful
· We are adhering to a strong personal code
· I am thoughtful
· You are standing tall
· We are applying foresight
· I am seeing future trends
· You are patient
· We are heightening awareness
· I am rising above the crowd
· You are surefooted
· We are thoughtful
· I am discovering new opportunities
· You are wisely using resources
· We are moving deliberately
· I am perceiving truth
· You are thoughtful
· We are setting big goals
· I am taking aim at tall targets
· You are respected
· We are rising above the crowd
· I am surefooted
· You are contemplating
· We are taking the high road

We currently screen print this Giraffe design on these items:
Available Giraffe Design Shirts

What’s your favorite symbolism of the giraffe? Did we miss any? Let us know in a comment below!

Posted by: Think Possible Apparel | August 14, 2018

Awareness Technique: Screen Posture

Every time we look at a screen, may it be a reminder to be mindful, take a deep breath, and adjust our screen posture. Be it a cell phone, tv, laptop, billboard, wall menu; whenever you find yourself noticing that you are looking at a screen, check in with your thoughts, feelings, and posture; breathe in fully; improve your physical alignment.

Screens are only becoming more and more ubiquitous in our everyday lives. As a result of this new and omnipresent sensory inundation it sometimes can feel like it is more difficult to find presence within ourselves. The less mindful we are the more we find ourselves hunched over and shallow breathing. Fear not! There are simple steps we can take to live harmoniously with the ever advancing digital age! These steps are the same steps we take any time we want to maximize our efforts towards being more mindful and present within the moment.

What’s in a screen?

Screens can be used to advance knowledge, relationships, compassion for the suffering of others, social justice, entertainment, and many other powerfully positive things. Screens can also be used for advancing radicalization, bullying, spreading ignorance and gossip, hiding from our “real world” problems, and many other things detrimental to ourselves and society. When we begin our screen time with a mindful breath and a proper adjustment to our posture, I propose that we are more likely to be our higher-selves and go the path of the former, positive possibility.

How it works

Does this not hold true for anything? About to confront someone about something you care about but disagree on? Take a deep breath, be aware of your posture, and begin with mindfulness. Going on a job interview? Take a few deep breaths and adjust your posture as you head into the meeting. Job interviews and emotionally charged conversations are very different activities; however, how we set ourselves up to most likely be successful is very much the same! This is just how human beings work.

Quiet the mind

The breath is the key to the door of consciousness and our emotions. Deep, slow breathing techniques like three sided breathing or four sided breathing are highly effective tools to soften the ego, cut through extreme emotional clouds when we need to, and ultimately quiet the mind.

With a quiet mind we are more likely to express our true beliefs and feelings in a way that other people are more likely to receive. When we are immersed in the present moment, rather than lost in our thoughts, we are more likely to hear someone else or acquire new information. From a mindful place we can recognize when we are or are not paying attention and bring our focus where we want it.

The breath is our greatest asset in achieving our best focus. With focus we are more likely to enjoy entertainment, have a peaceful exchange of ideas, perform a physical act how we want to, or absorb information in an article. This is just how human beings work!

Position our body

The positioning of our body, especially our spines, effects the energy of our bodies. If you believe in chakras or chi then this concept of allowing for the optimum physical flow through proper alignment and positioning probably fits intuitively with your understanding of energy. If you don’t subscribe to those notions of unseen energy running through our bodies, consider that when our spine is curved it is more difficult to breathe deeply. Try it yourself. And when we cannot breathe as well, we are sending less oxygen to our brain. In turn, our ability to maintain focus is impaired compared to when we are fully breathing freely and fully oxygenated. This is just how human beings work!

Optimizing ourselves for focus

So how would this be true for looking at a phone or laptop? Well, is there not a best posture for acquiring information or paying attention? Sitting upright with a comfortable spine, shoulders back, crown of head sitting over our hips; this is how you maintain focus for extended periods of time.

My point is that setting ourselves up for success starts before the activity. For example, meditation may be about letting go of our thoughts and therefore about ignoring physical distractions like itches and twitches; however, we still plan ahead before the meditation to sit as comfortably as possible. We start meditating with our hips above our knees so that our legs don’t fall asleep. Things like that will make our time meditating that much easier because there will be less distractions and future ailments. The same goes for screen postures. Before we read an article or respond to something on social media, we can optimize our chances of success by checking in with ourselves, breathing deep, and adjusting as needed.

Check in now with yourself

The more we do any activity, the more critical it is to focus on proper posture. The start of proper posture is awareness. So how do you feel right now? Notice any thoughts or emotions. Notice where your feet, legs, spine and head are. And now let’s breathe in deep through our nose. With that inhale, let us roll our shoulders up by our ears and gently straighten out our spine to a slight J curve. Exhale out all the air while we bring our shoulder blades straight down our back away from our ears. Slightly engage your core to protect your spine and help lift you out of your hips. And now begin your screen activity… or perhaps reading, talking, or driving… or anything! Mindfulness and posture will serve you!

Nothing is permanent

Despite how good this proper posture and heightened awareness feels, it is inevitable that we will find ourselves lost in our thoughts and hunched over again. Do not despair! Life moves in cycles. You will be back to awareness soon. The more you practice becoming aware of your changing states, the earlier and earlier you will notice you are out of alignment. Once we become aware of shallow breathing or poor posture, begin this Screen Posture Awareness Technique again!

Make the most of the situation

You can use anything as a reminder to fix your posture and breathe deep; however, there are sooooo many screens!!! So let’s turn them to our mindfulness advantage. Every screen is like a tiny gong in our head. When we notice we are looking at a screen we hear the gong ring clear saying “check in with my breath and posture”.

How many times a day will we be given the gift of a reminder to do these simple, healthy things? In our modern world, a plethora. May we renew our commitment to our breath and posture more and more throughout each day!

What is your screen posture?

What will be the lifelong effects of doing this awareness technique so regularly throughout every day each time we see a screen? Leave a comment below and let me know what you think!

Posted by: Think Possible Apparel | February 28, 2018

Golden Ratio Design Made of Quotations about Math and Nature

Golden Ratio design on a mens crew neck t-shirt in black. The design is made from tiny, positive quotations about the connection between Phi and the universe!

Our Golden Ratio design is made from quotations about the connection between math & nature and in the shape of a Golden Spiral and Golden Rectangle. The Golden Ratio, a.k.a Phi (represented by the Greek symbol Φ), a.k.a the Golden Mean, a.k.a the Golden Section, is woven throughout so many aspects of our human existence and the universe we live in. And yet we are mostly oblivious to its power over our subconscious. This power attracts us like moths to a light except in this analogy the light is art, beauty, and our natural sense of ‘proper’ proportions. Nature is equally beholden to the influence of the Golden Ratio.

“Phi can be found throughout the universe; from the spirals of galaxies to the spiral of a Nautilus seashell; from the harmony of music to the beauty in art.”~Bruce Rawles

Golden Ratio = Φ

Here is a good summary of Phi: “A straight line is said to have been cut in extreme and mean ratio [The Golden Ratio] when, as the whole line is to the greater segment, so is the greater to the less.” ~Euclid (323 BC to 285 BC). Symbolically this can be represented by: A + B is to A as A is to B = Φ ≈ 1.61803
Our Golden Spiral design shows this relationship as both the Golden Spiral and a series of Golden Rectangles arranged in Fibonacci Tiling.

The Golden Rectangle

The largest rectangle and the largest square are in proportion to each other such that the length of one side of the square ≈ 1.61803 of the long side of the rectangle. The series of Golden Rectangles rotate 90 degrees and shrink proportionate to Phi. It is called Fibonacci Tiling because the ratio of volumes of the squares within each rectangle follow the Fibonacci series (take one number (starting and add the previous to get the next — 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8…).

Draw your own Golden Rectangle by following along with this animated gif. Start with a square and use a string or ruler to handle the angled line that swings down.

The Golden Spiral

Like Fibonacci Tiling, the Golden Spiral within the design uses the Golden Ratio in that the growth factor of each quarter turn is Phi (approximately 1.61803). You can find countless examples in nature making use of this growth rate. Look directly over a pinecone or a succulent plant and you will see this pattern at use by nature! Look at satellite imagery of a hurricane or telescope imagery of a spiral galaxy and you will see this pattern at use by the universe! Look at the proportions of a human face or the shape of a human ear! You will see this pattern!

If you want to draw your own Golden Spiral you can do so by first drawing the Golden Rectangle series as Fibonacci tiling. Then, using each resulting square, draw a quarter circle connecting two diagonals in the square and rotate 90 degrees doing the same to the next square.

Golden Ratio design made of quotes about its meaning screen printed on a ladies flowy tank top in black

The Golden Ratio in Art Composition, Design, and Architecture

It cannot be overstated how important the Golden Ratio is in the things humans tend to find visually appealing. Why that is may very well be connected to why this ratio shows up in nature. Perhaps we are attuned to it for some reason. It’s fun to imagine what that reason may be. Do a quick Google image search for the connection between the Golden Ratio and Art, Design, Architecture to see just how ubiquitous this ratio is.

“In order to understand the universe you must know the language in which it is written and that language is mathematics.” ~Galileo Galilei

The Fibonacci Sequence and the Golden Ratio

If you take two sequential Fibonacci numbers and divide larger one by the smaller one you will approach Phi. The resulting number will get closer and closer to Phi the deeper into the Fibonacci series you go!

Take a look at this table showing the first 20 digits of the Fibonacci series. By taking any number in the series and dividing it by the previous number in the series we get the resulting ratio in the 2nd column. The third column shows the difference between this resulting ratio and the Golden Ratio. The last three columns just continue the series for the 11th through 20th numbers in the Fibonacci series. As you can see the further in to the Fibonacci series we go the closer these ratios approach Phi.

A table exploring the relationship between the Golden Ratio and the Fibonacci series.

A close up look at our Golden Ratio design on a mens crew neck t-shirt in black. The design is made from tiny, positive quotations about the connection between Phi and the universe!

Quotations used in this design

Here are all of the quotations in Think Positive Apparel’s Golden Ratio design:

“Everything in the universe that wants to be successful has to base its existence on the golden ratio.” ~Oliver Grant
“The Fibonacci Sequence turns out to be the key to understanding how nature designs… and is… a part of the same ubiquitous music of the spheres that builds harmony into atoms, molecules, crystals, shells, suns and galaxies and makes the Universe sing.” ~ Guy Murchie ∞
“Without mathematics there is no art”~Luca Pacioli
“A straight line is said to have been cut in extreme and mean ratio [The Golden Ratio] when, as the whole line is to the greater segment, so is the greater to the less.” ~Euclid
“In order to understand the universe you must know the language in which it is written and that language is mathematics.” ~Galileo Galilei
“Phi can be found throughout the universe; from the spirals of galaxies to the spiral of a Nautilus seashell; from the harmony of music to the beauty in art.”~Bruce Rawles
“The description of this proportion as Golden or Divine is fitting perhaps because it is seen by many to open the door to a deeper understanding of beauty and spirituality in life.” ~HE Huntley
“The Golden Ratio has inspired thinkers of all discipline like no other number in the history of mathematics” ~Mario Livio
a + b is to a as a is to b = Φ
1.61803…

The Golden Ratio Design is made from the Golden Spiral and a series of Golden Rectangles. These shapes are made from tiny words. The words are quotations about the connection between the Golden Ratio and the universe.

What do you think of the Golden Ratio

Join the conversation and let us know your thoughts on the Golden Ratio, Golden Rectangle, Golden Spiral, or its connection to nature!

Posted by: Think Possible Apparel | December 14, 2017

Elephant Symbolism and the Warrior III Yoga Pose

Look closer! Elephant symbolism affirmations create this design of an elephant doing a Warrior III yoga pose!

Elephant Warrior III pose design made of affirmations about elephant symbolism on a ladies racerback tank top

Elephant Warrior III design screen printed on a ladies triblend t-shirt

Charge through obstacles today when you apply whichever words jump out at you first. Each time you look into this Elephant Warrior III design you will see different ones. You have been them all before and can be them all again! See how the attitudes you read first fit in your day today.

An Elephant doing Yoga

“Remember, it doesn’t matter how deep into a posture you go – what does matter is who you are when you get there.” ~ Max Strom

Elephants aren’t exactly known for their physical flexibility which is the number one excuse people use to avoid starting a yoga practice. The amazing thing about yoga is that it doesn’t matter how flexible you are! Whether you are an advanced yogi touching your head to your knee with straight legs or a brand new yogi bending your legs a ton to get that forehead to touch, anyone doing their best on the mat benefits just as much!

So, how does an elephant do Warrior III pose (aka Virabhadrasana III)? Practice! Perseverance and practice! Perseverance, patience, and practice. While using these three ingredients, anyone can do any yoga pose. And at every stage of the posture we gain just as many benefits as the people adding more layers to their own practice.

Elephant Symbolism

Here are some of the elephant symbolism themes focused on in this design:

Strength — Elephants are renown for their size and with that size comes immense strength and power. So strength is the most obvious symbolism of the elephant. Consider that strength comes in many forms. It takes tremendous strength and power to sit quietly and clear our thoughts from our mind.
Good Luck — Many cultures associate the image of an elephant with its trunk up as good luck. In the Hindu religion, Ganesh takes the form of an elephant and is the lord of good fortune.
Mental Fortitude — Besides strength, Elephant’s are also known for their memory. It is said that when droughts come through their territories, elephants remember old watering holes from decades ago. Some people have even recorded elephants visiting grave sites of old friends and family members.
Community — Elephants are very social animals. They stand by their family and communities, which are matriarchal and consist anywhere from 8 to 100 individuals.
Gentle — For as powerful and big as elephants are they can be very precise and gentle with their movements through spaces and trunk dexterity.
Removing Obstacles — With their strength and gentle nature, elephants have been used to literally remove heavy obstacles from roads or for construction. Elephants are also associated with removing spiritual obstacles. Ganesh is also the remover of obstacles both physical and spiritual. How can you remove obstacles from your own life by being what you need to be when you need to be it?
Stability — Four powerful legs stand rooted. Massive muscle structures. Excellent balance and mobility.

Elephant Warrior III design screen printed on a women’s triblend crew neck t-shirt

Benefits of Warrior III

Strength — This posture works your entire body. From the top of your head to the tips of your toes. The key to warrior III pose is engaging your core, spine, and BOTH legs fully. The muscles in your feet, calves, and quads should be fully flexed. Now engage your core all around your stomach and back. And keep breathing WITH the posture. Inhales to lengthen your spine; reaching your leg and tip of your head in opposite directions. Then use your exhales to push down on the standing leg and rotate your pelvis parallel to the floor.
Mental Health — It is said that this pose improves memory and concentration. I think this may be connected to the amount of focus the posture requires. Perhaps there is something to be said about activating your entire core, spine, legs, and arms all at once and stretching everything in opposite directions for brain health. Citation needed; however, an interesting concept.

Affirmations in this Elephant Warrior III design

Here are all of the affirmations making up this Elephant Warrior III pose design:

·I am a remover of obstacles
·My path is clear
·I am powerful
·I am clever
·I am kind
·I am joyful
·I am strong
·I am gentle
·I am brilliant
·I am reliable
·I am stable
·I am patient
·I am dignified
·I am happy
·I am good luck
·I am fortunate
·I am grateful
·I am responsible
·I am sovereign
·I am steadfast
·I am sturdy
·I am a leader
·I am focused
·I am determined
·I am concentrating
·I am strong-minded
·I am breathing
·I am invigorating
·I am energized
·I am loyal
·I stand by my family, my friends, and my community
·I am involved
·I am alert
·I am a calming influence
·I am connected
·I am aware
·I am sensitive
·I am compassionate
·I charge through blockages
·I protect
·I remember
·I am forgiving
·I am effective
·I am social
·I am close
·I am providing
·I am harmonious
·I am beautiful
·I am majestic
·I am wise
·I am loved
·I am protected
·I love
·I am protecting
·I am intertwined
·I am balanced
·I am kindhearted
·I am mighty
·I am calm
·I am magnanimous

As well, here is the phrase at the bottom making up the yoga mat. We like to think of it as a strong foundation for life:

I am enjoying the journey. I am striving for excellence. I am breathing. I am smiling.

Conclusion

To sum it up, affirmations about the many meanings people all over the world and throughout human history assigned to the magnificent elephant make up this design. Elephant symbolism and Warrior III benefits are significantly overlapping in that they both relate to strength and mental fortitude. Therefore, when you are doing your warrior III pose, just imagine how much harder it would be if you were an elephant! And then remember that it doesn’t matter because you would still be getting the same benefits!

We currently screen print this Elephant Warrior III design on these items:
Elephant Warrior III

What are some of your favorite elephant symbolism ideas? What are your thoughts and tips on warrior III pose? Leave a comment and let us know!

Posted by: Think Possible Apparel | November 9, 2017

Three Sided Breathing Technique

Use this Three Sided Breathing Technique anytime and anywhere to physically relax your body and calm your mind. The more we practice breathing exercises, the more likely we are to react with slow, deep breaths when we need to most!

The three sided breathing exercise is easy! Just visualize an equilateral triangle. All three sides are of equal length representing: inhaling, holding, and exhaling the breath for an equal amount of time. Note that unlike four sided breathing, there is no second ‘hold’ between the exhale and the inhale.

The goal is to make sure each side of the breath is equal when doing three sided breathing. If you pick 4 seconds but can only exhale for 2 seconds, then shorten all of the sides to two seconds and build up from there when you are ready.

Three Sided Breathing Technique

Follow along with the golden ring in this animated gif where all three sides are at four seconds. Look below the image for further details and additional tips.

Three Sides of The Breath

Take a slow, deep INHALE through your nose right now. Fill your lungs completely and then push it all out. Take another breath filling from the bottom, from the diaphragm, all the way up to the top of your lungs. And push it all out. Now take a breath filling up your chest first and then continuing to inhale until your diaphragm is also full.

Inhaling should always be done through the nose to avoid getting a sore throat. Your nose is a natural filter.

Slow down that inhale to a trickle. Take complete control over the breath. Fill your lungs all the way.

HOLD the breath at the top. Feel the air in your body creating an internal pressure. Feel your heart beat perhaps.

Now, focus on your EXHALE. Push the air out from your diaphragm and empty your lungs completely. Squeeze all the air out of your chest. Feel the two movements and play with reversing the order. Breathe in and exhale from your chest then your diaphragm until all the air is out.

Put it all together. Make each side (Inhale, Hold, Exhale) the same length of time. You are doing three sided breathing!

Equilateral

When practicing three sided breathing always keep the three sides of the breath equal. Whether you do 1 second or 10 seconds a side it doesn’t matter. All that matters is that you are doing all three parts for an equal length of time. This will require you to control the flow of your breath; speeding it up or slowing it down as needed. I like to count out the seconds in my mind. They don’t have to be seconds just anything uniform.

Inhale…. 2…. 3…. 4…. Hold…. 2…. 3…. 4…. Exhale…. 2…. 3…. 4….

One more tip

To really experience the different ways you can inhale and exhale the breath, place one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach. Now take a deep breath in and out so that only one hand moves. Then do it again so that only the other hand moves. Lastly, put it together, breathe in so that one hand moves AND THEN the other hand until your lungs are all the way full and then empty.

Breathing Exercises and Meditation

Breathing exercises are not necessarily the same thing as meditation. But breathing exercises do make meditation a little easier by priming the mind and body to relax. Try using this three sided breathing technique 6-8 times and then go right into meditating. See if it makes a difference.

What do you think?

Leave a comment below to join the conversation. What do you think about this three sided breathing technique? What are your favorite breathing exercises?

Posted by: Think Possible Apparel | October 6, 2017