Aloha DavidStone,
Thank you for your post.
Yes, there are a lot of things going on physiologically when breathing, and a lot of breathing methods used in different systems - real or not
for different purposes.
That's why Master Lin recommends students just breath in a relaxed, even manner while they learn their exercises and sitting meditations. Later, they can practice the skin, reverse breathing in the course a couple times at the beginning of their exercises or meditation. You definitely don't want to be in your head about doing the breathing "right," as one's breath will tend to constrict, rather ebb and flow as it naturally would.
One of the colleagues Learning Strategies is working with, talks about the importance of a held breath after the exhale. Master Lin, would most likely smile, read your energy, thank you for bringing that up to him, and say that in his and his teacher's experience, he has found the Taoist skin and reverse breathing to make the biggest shift in opening up blockage and healing.
The Small Universe is just a guide, as everyone's breath is different. Some think the sounds/breath are too long, others too short. One can find themselves with a breath hold towards the end of the sounds or silence, and others that need it, can take another breath if needed, stay at the same spot if they feel the need, or do the meditation on their own.
Much Love,
Shawn
