Hey again bassbariace,

The trick is in keeping them expanded when you breathe out. This usually takes a slight downward/outward (I think?) force.

You can train with belts, ie one around your lower rib after you breathe in. If your ribs don't stay expanded it will fall down. I learned this from Alan Greene's book but Jaime also writes about it.

Here's my 2 cents:

When Jaime says "allow it to happen naturally" I believe you shouldn't stress on it too much like you are.

Rather, focus on getting your breathing DEEPER and FULLER.

The easiest way I've found to achieve this is to lie down on the floor on your back for 10 mins and just relax. some instructors will have you put a heavy book on your stomach so that it rises as you breathe, this works also.

Inhale, then hold the breath as long as you can COMFORTABLY, then exhale BEFORE tension overcomes you. Don't sacrifice relaxation to hold the breath longer.

After exhaling hold the breath until you feel the urge to inhale, DON'T IGNORE THE URGE JUST TO HOLD THE BREATH LONGER.

it's harder to get a full breath when we have residual breath locked in the lungs.

after 5 mins of this your breathing will be fantastic. The key is not to force any of it, pay attention to the tension in the body and don't try to hold more or breathe more at the expense of adding tension. Your breathing will naturally get deeper as you relax.

The long term goal is to have this type of relaxation naturally without having to lie down. Relaxation is a skill, not a place.

The reason why lying down works is because it aligns the spine correctly. I have a video on how to achieve this spinal alignment standing up which will connect the breath deep down. youtube.com/philmoufarrege

Once you get all this the expanding ribs will happen naturally as Jaime points out :P

Thanks,

Phil
www.bushido-self-improvement.com
www.youtube.com/philmoufarrege

wow phil thank you! i like your youtube channel . awesome videos. and you kinda remind me jeff buckley

My pleasure