The following excerpt from Yogi Ramacharaka’s classic book, The Hindu-Yogi Science of Breath, helps make clear a simple process you can easily incorporate into your daily routine to help increase vitality, (also known as chi, prana, energy and life-force) while simultaneously aiding in re-centering and strengthening the mind.

In this way, breath is not just an autonomic function of life, but can also be an exercise of thought and will. An easy and effective exercise for everyone, regardless of age or ability.

We hope you take this moment to try this sage teaching, use it often, and enjoy your journey to ideal chi.

“Prana Distributing”

“Lying flat on the floor or bed, completely relaxed, with hands resting lightly over the Solar Plexus (over the pit of the stomach, where the ribs begin to separate), breathe rhythmically.

After the rhythm is fully established, will that each inhalation will draw in an increased supply of prana or vital energy from the Universal supply, which will be taken up by the nervous system and stored in the Solar Plexus.

At each exhalation,  will that the prana or vital energy is being distributed all over the body, to every organ and part; to every muscle, cell and atom; to nerve, artery and vein; from the top of your head to the soles of your feet; invigorating, strengthening and stimulating every nerve; recharging every nerve center; sending energy, force and strength all over the system.

While exercising the will, try to form a mental picture of the in-rushing prana, coming in through the lungs and being taken up at once by the Solar Plexus, then with the exhaling effort, being sent to all parts of the system, down to the finger tips and down to the toes.

It is not necessary to use the Will with an effort. Simply commanding that which you wish to produce and then making the mental picture of it is all that is necessary. Calm command with the mental picture is far better than forcible willing, which only dissipates force needlessly.

The above exercise is most helpful and greatly refreshes and strengthens the nervous system and produces a restful feeling all over the body. It is especially beneficial in cases where one is tired or feels a lack of energy.”

The Hindu-Yogi Science of Breath