Sir Christopher’s Corner: June issue
Hello again! This month I want to discuss breathing. Breath is our most immediate need, even more important to us than water and nourishment. We need to learn how best to breathe (slowly): practise taking long deep breaths, in through the nose, out through the mouth, ideally in the open air, as you admire the sky and trees and natural things. Do this several times each day. Nasal breathing is essential to us, both by day and at night. If you struggle with it, try taping your lips together before you lie down to sleep. I do! Surgical sticky tape works for me.
I promised to explain why the number 111 is known as Nelson. Our national hero had one eye, one arm, and one aim (to defeat Napoleon)! It is considered an unlucky number in the game of cricket, where batsmen who score 111 seem to be out next ball, and teams whose score reaches exactly 111 inevitably lose a wicket immediately! I love the ingenuity of numerical superstition. I have chosen this ‘unlucky’ number for my age at death. (You may laugh!)
I also try to live more in accordance with nature, which evolution has conditioned us to do over millions of years: sleep in the dark (and eat in daylight). Women know all about monthly cycles. Respect and enjoy the cycle of the year, and the changing seasons. Sleep longer in the winter! Like all life-forms, we are creatures naturally acclimatised to this circadian rhythm.
Finally (for now) I hope you feel happy – but don’t just wait and hope for happiness: choose it! I find that serving others pleases them (if I do it right!), and makes me happy. So, cook a nice meal, smile at a stranger, pick up the litter in the street… Contact your friends and family. Remember that we need to foster the habit of a positive mind-set. Make June a happy month! Good wishes to all our readers.
“Nasal breathing is essential to us, both by day and at night. If you struggle with it, try taping your lips together before you lie down to sleep. I do! Surgical sticky tape works for me.”
