ting sensation. Keep this tension firmly and steadily as long as
you can; then slowly and gradually let the breath out through the
lips. If you wish to sing, or recite, or even to talk, see what power
is at your command.

"Try this breathing, inspiration, retention, expiration--these three
movements--at night before you go to bed, when the body is free; in
the morning before you dress. When you walk take in great, glorious
lungsful of air until full, or deep breathing becomes a habit. Believe
me, breathing properly is a certain cure for nervousness, shyness and
embarrassment."

It gives command and freedom of motion, a sense of power. Keep the
lips closed and breathe only through the nostrils. This is a most
important fact to remember, and should always be impressed upon
children. The cold air should never be taken directly into the lungs
as is the case when it is inhaled through the parted lips. Children,
as well as grown people, should learn to keep the mouth closed during
sleep; this would prevent many lung diseases, the disagreeable habit
of snoring, and the vacant, inane expression produced by an open
mouth.

There is no better exercise to acquire a good habit of breathing than
reading aloud. Try how much can be read easily, without strain, upon a
single inflation of the lungs. Never gasp, catch up, or piece out a
breath. "You may add years to your life by the simple act of
breathing." Every public speaker knows, or should know, the feeling of
repose and self-possession that comes over him as he calmly, silently,
faces his audience long enough to draw three of these deep, full
breaths. Nervousness has vanished; he and his audience have had time
to become acquainted, and, having command over himself, he is able to
command the minds of those before him.

Standing and Walking.

When one has learned to breathe properly, then it is that standing and
walking may be practiced. Lift up the chest, inflate the lungs
naturally, as in paragraph on breathing, then step up to the front of
a door, letting the toes touch the woodwork. At the same time the
forehead should meet the upper portion of the door, when it may be
assumed that a perfect standing posture has been taken. The poise will
seem at first to be a little forward of a straight line, but to
disprove this it will be found that a plumb line dropped from the ear
will fall through shoulder, hip and ankle. The head will be poised as
if to carry a burden steadily o