Loved watching this video of a seal surfacing at a hole in the ice in the Antarctic and it’s breathing technique. Short video snapped at the Christchurch Art gallery a couple of days back . I tried my own experiments in the pool back in Blenheim a day later as I tried to figure out how to breathe only through my nose whilst swimming . I have figured it out for backstroke and breaststroke but only managed my first lengths of freestyle this week trying a similar breath technique to the seal but taking more over arm strokes between breaths ( I was trained to take 3 strokes and then breathe but I’ve been experimenting with 9, 7, 5 strokes between breaths and taking a slower stroke on the breath to give me enough time for a forceful exhalation then inhalation through my nose with flared nostrils without inhaling water ). If anyone has expertise with only breathing through the nose when swimming I would love to know how you manage it - and I’ll keep practising ! I’ve also managed to now maintain breathing only through the nose for steep hill walks so it is a great practice and I’m getting better . Apologies for the background sound in the video - there was another exhibition nearby from Indonesia with a loop of the call to prayer running but you can still hear the seal breathing clearly . #seal #sealbreathing #antarctica #breath #breathing #swimming #breathingwhenswimming #christchurchartgallery #ancientsbestltd

The latest PepTalk magazine is just out in New Zealand (print only) with lots of great articles (and no ads) about mental well-being including one from me (Nicky) on breathing . If you get a chance to read the article please let us know how you enjoy it ... Breathing has always been a major focus of my teaching and I really hope to share with more and more people - whether it is in small classes , one on one , online, or in company or community settings . Learning to breathe better is one of the simplest ways to support your health, healing, and vitality, and to build mental and physical strength and resilience. Breathing techniques help us develop self awareness , acceptance and serenity in life, no matter what is taking place. We can all learn to breathe better and have a happier healthier life. #Peptalk #wellbeing #mentalwellness #breathing #breath #yoga #ayurveda #marlboroughnz #vitality #healing #relaxation #ancientsbestltd