The Bolivar County Democrat., 1920-05-01
BREATHING.

How do you breathe? You should
learn to breathe properly. Many peo-
pie have lazy lungs Fresh air is free
! gift, but it is like most Of the gifts
of heaven in that we must do our
share of work to benefit by it. No one
would expect to have good hre just
because q pair of bellows hangs on
a nail by the chimney, but that Is ex-
actly what many people expect OF
their lungs, which are really only the
| bellows given us to keep the fire or
life burning bright and clear within US.
| This trick of lazy lungs is habit, and,
| like any other, may be overcome by
persistent effort. Many persons, for
example, are afflicted with nervous
habit of holding the breath uncon-
sciously. These are the people who, In
spite of plenty Of time spent out OF
doors catch cold easily, digest poorly,
and are always more or less under the
weather physically. Many other per-
sons breathe only with the upper part
Of the lungs and, although they may
breathe regularly, do not draw in
sufficient air at a breath to fill the
lungs. When the pernicious habit OF
poor, shallow breathing has been
broken up, the health undergoes such
marked Improvement, there is such
Frightening of the spirit and improve
ment in appearance, that the luxury
of deep breathing is not likely to be
readily foregone.
Deep breathing means literally deep
breathing, and not what some under
stand it to be-the mere lifting of the
diaphragm, which may be done with
the lungs not filed to their full capa-
city, The action Of the mind enters
largely into all physical exercise, espe.
cially into all forms Of breathing
centers in view. First fill your mind
with pleasant thoughts and then con-
centrate your thought upon the breath.
Breathe and think! Breathe and think!
until the whole body becomes living
thing and your breath a vital life
sustaining element. In short, breathe
to the toes, for If such a concept can
be held long enough, the actual breath
ing capacity of the chest is increased
to great degree. Diaphragmatic
breathing acts directly upon the liver,
which in turn affects the stomach and
digestive organs. Good digestion makes
healthful glow, brightens the eye,
stimulates the entire being to radiate
vibrations of harmony and health.
There Is no better way Of strengthen
ing the muscles, the lungs and heart,
improving the appetite and digestion,
banishing the "blues" and making you
rejoice that you are alive, than to go
out into the woods and meadows or
city parks, where you can exercise and
breathe good air, and thus develop
new sinew and new strength, both
Of soul and body.
Work for health; insist on having
1t. 1t is yours If you but work for it.
Its hints are in each growing tree,
each breath of sun-kissed air, each
thought of happiness, trustfulness and
love. Get IN tOucn Win tne purposes
plans and laws of the infinite intel
ligence, and mental, moral, and phys
ical health is yours. And one of the
best ways to "get in touch" is to take
a daily long walk and breathe properly
in Goods Out-of-Doors" under the
great and infinite sky and among the
trees where the winds are harping. If
you will erect your head. expand your
chest and walk away, as it is meant
you should walk, on these fresh morn
ings when the world is enveloped in
a golden halo from out Of which, like
angel voices from the quiet depths
of heaven, the winds are singing their
impromptu of praises, you will be full
of life and joy and hope. LEARN
HOW TO LIVE.