Larkin Barnett - Practical Centering

Practical Pilates Using Imagery

a book for adults featuring dancers

from the Miami City Ballet

Pilates and Calisthenics for Children

Creative Yoga for Children

On a Lark: Creative Movement for Children

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exercises to energize your chakras
for relaxation, vitality, and health

LARKIN BARNETT

Foreword by Dr. Gregory Loewen,

Pulmonary Oncology and

Dr. Madeline Singer, PhD, Clinical Hypnotherapy

Learn more about Larkin Barnett and her work at www.kidsfitnessbooks.com

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Copyright 2012 Larkin Barnett

First Quest Edition 2012

Quest Books
Theosophical Publishing House
P. O. Box 270
Wheaton, IL 60187-0270

Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the publisher of this book.

The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials.

While the author has made every effort to provide accurate telephone numbers and Internet addresses at the time of publication, neither the publisher nor the author assumes any responsibility for errors or for changes that occur after publication. Further, the publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.

The author and publisher specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, that happens via a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this book. The ideas, procedures, and suggestions in this book are not a substitute for consulting with a physician. The exercise programs in this book are not a substitute for any exercise routine prescribed by a doctor. If a reader requires personal medical, health, or other assistance or advice, consult a competent professional.

Cover and book design by Drew Stevens

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Barnett, Larkin.

Practical centering: exercises to energize your chakras for
relaxation, vitality, and health / Larkin Barnett; foreword
by Gregory Loewen and Madeline Singer.1st. Quest ed.

p. cm.

ISBN 978-0-8356-0903-6

1. Chakras. 2. Vitality. 3. Health. I. Title.

RZ999.B265 2012

615.852dc23 2011041802

ISBN for electronic edition, e-pub format: 978-0-8356-2060-4

5 4 3 2 1 * 12 13 14 15 16

For my parents,

Dr. Robert Peter Barnett and

Suzanne Patricia Barnett

For my grandparents,

Dr. William Kress McIntyre and

Mary Rose McIntyre

and

Dr. Edwin Judge Barnett and

Agnes Virginia Barnett

T wo patients visit the lung doctor. Both take a pulmonary function test to measure the strength of their breathing. Both tests are abnormal and show the same lung condition. The patients have virtually identical test results. The columns of numbers suggest the degree of disability should be identical. Here is the surprise: One patient is profoundly short of breath, is unable to work, and is barely able to function. The other patient has breathing symptoms but continues to function and works full time. What causes such a difference in breathing?

For these two patients, the difference could be in how each thinks about his or her breathing. How we think about our breathing really matters and directly affects our exercise capacity, stamina, and fitness.

In Practical Centering, Larkin correctly implies that there are many variables, including lung disease that profoundly affect our breathing. They include shallow-breathing habits, traumatic events, memories, and even the messages that we send to ourselves about these events. The very messages that we tell ourselves matter, too.

In Larkins Foundation Formula, she describes the science of breathing with words and anatomy-based images of muscle groups. This provides the reader renewed core vitality and peaceful mental interludes. Her Foundation Formula contains pursed-lip breathing, which is an essential technique used by doctors who treat patients with shortness of breath, particularly from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The pursed-lip technique is widely used by respiratory therapists. It opens airways for the more efficient release of carbon dioxide and improves oxygenation. If you are under a doctors care for COPD, asthma, or any other lung condition, it is a good idea to make sure your doctor has determined you are stable enough to do yogic breath work. If your breathing seems to be worsening with any exercise, contact your doctor.

Larkins Three-Dimensional Balloon Breathing, gentle stretching, and yogic techniques are helpful for most lung conditions and can significantly improve pulmonary symptoms. There is growing evidence that these kinds of techniques improve the quality of life and lung function in patients with COPD.

Chakras are ancient, non-Western concepts demonstrating the physical and spiritual contact points in the human body. The chakra model does not contradict modern science but complements Western understanding of how our bodies function.

Using innovative physical exercises, colorful words, and visual imagery, Larkin makes complex breathing concepts simple to change your life one conscious breath at a time. In her Chakra Rocking Massage, she draws the participant through powerful spiritual exercises that transcend breathing. The net effect of Larkins work is a new, integrative adaptation of breathing strategies, from both an Eastern and a Western perspective. With inspiration, humor, and artistry, her exercises guide you towards centeredness and healing.

A chieving balance in todays hectic world is challenging. When mind, body, and spirit are in harmony, you create true peace.

Time is precious. Each week has 168 hours, 10,080 minutes, or 604,800 seconds. As we age, time flies, and the older we get, the faster it flies away. Practical Centering is a system that elevates our energy to accomplish our goals.

We focus on our health when it is not optimal. The pressure of a fast-paced lifestyle takes its toll. Thoughts directed by the unconscious mind are often rigid old patterns of thinking. A pattern of tightness in the muscles can begin in the mind. The root cause may be illness, surgery, accidents, abuse, emotional trauma, daily stress, poor movement habits, or even ones choice of sport or fitness. The expression When you have your health, you are truly rich is paramount today.