Customer Reviews

The Tao of Natural Breathing: For Health, Well-Being, and Inner Growth

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4 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

One reviewer criticized the author for his lack of understanding of Tao. I do not think that this is true. I think that the author went as far as he could with a potentially dangerous subject. Anyone pursuing breathing enhancement should be very carefull. When I personally asked some of the great yoga teachers about the concepts and approach used by Lewis, they all agree that Lewis has a very sound approach. Many westerners do not take the time to approach this subject with the proper respect that it requires. A casual survey of the literature and discussions with knowledgable "breathers" suggests that someone pursuing this path must be careful. Some Qi Gong masters refuse to teach westerners breathing techniques because they do not have the discipline to practice responsibly. Lewis takes a very responsible approach. I found it very useful in starting my practice.

This is one of the best books I've ever read on breathing, and I've read them all. Lewis explores the importance of "natural breathing," and shows how we can integrate it into our everyday lives. The book shows how natural breathing can help reduce the stress in our lives, and can help us maintain our health. It also shows the relationship of natural breathing to spiritual development. The writing is excellent and clear, and there are a lot of illustrations to help the us understand the ideas and practices of healthy breathing. I recommend this book to anyone interested in this fascinating subject.

This is my first exposure to breathing work. This book guides you through the basics of it so you can understand its principles and the tremendous power of self-sensing and breath. I am profoundly impressed with what I am learning about myself and recommend it to anyone new to the subject.

As we age, many of us fall into the habit of shallow or effortfull breathing, and then find it impossible to simply breathe easily and deeply on a regular basis. In order to return to natural breathing, you'll first want to know exactly what natural breathing is and isn't. In 'The Tao of Natural Breathing' Dennis Lewis describes the mechanics of breathing and all that's involved in a natural breath. Dennis gently guides you through a "perceptual reeducation", so you can begin to become aware of your own breathing pattern - where it flows easily, and where it doesn't - and start making changes in the right direction. Natural breathing is one of the pillars on which my work as a vision educator rests, and Dennis' guidance has been very valuable to me.
Esther 'Joy' van der Werf, Visions Of Joy

I'm glad to see my firend and colleague Dennis Lewis' seminal book back in print. For anyone wishing to explore the wonders of their own breathing mechanism, I can unreservedly recommend "The Tao of Natural Breathing."

Being a breathing specialist myself, I have read just about every book that's been published about breathing techniques and breath education, and Dennis' stands out as being the most insightful, as well as the most practical. Dennis doesn't get caught up in many of the myths and misconceptions surrounding breathing - including the notion that there's a "right" way to do it. Instead, he fosters a true spirit of exploration and exprimentation that can lead the reader to a deeper understanding of their own process, and a profound experience of their "natural breath."

The Tao of Natural Breathing by Dennis Lewis is filled with drawings, insights and guidance from an objective and subjective internal "organic" awareness. Dennis walks his talk and knows well the terrain. This approach towards understanding common denominators of breathing will guide many towards health and well being as well as help dissolve cross cultural barriers. We ARE one and breath IS life. Easily one of the top five books on breathing. Michael Grant White, "The Breathing Coach"

This is the best book I have read regarding breathing. In fact this is the 4th copy I have bought of this book as I keep giving it away

A very good introduction to Taoist breathing practice that combines a strong foundation of theory with plenty of exercises to get the reader started on the path of healthy breathing.
This is also an important reference text for anyone already doing Taoist practice, especially the approach taught by Mantak Chia.

Although Mr. Lewis is knowledgeable and sincere enough, he seems to get lost in his own Taoistic/Gurdjieffian philosophizing about breathing and being. He tries to put too much into this book and the result is academic, rather than useful. Strip away all the excess philosophy, and what is left is an over-condensed rehash, mostly, of the first level of Mantak Chia's Healing Tao work, with some experiential Gurdjieff work mixed in.

I suggest skipping this book and going straight to the source: Chia's inner smile and healing sounds practice is excellent and clearly and thoroughly presented in Transform Stress into Vitality. The inner relaxation gained from this specific practice alone will probably soften and deepen your breathing noticeably.

But then, move to Frantzis's Open the Energy Gates of Your Body (recent newly revised edition). The new edition contains a beginning presentation of Taoist "Longevity" breathing which is excellent, pedagogically sound, b.s.-free, and safe when directions are followed precisely, in the order presented. Although Lewis understands and talks about opening space in the body for healthy breathing, Frantzis' presentation is far more useful and direct.

THis book has tons of great info. It has expanded my awareness and given me new ways to experience the breath. It has also given me new ways to describe and explore the breath to/with my yoga students.