I don’t know what I don’t know
For whatever reason early this morning before I had exercised, listened to any podcasts or read anything, I was thinking what if I could begin each day with a completely open mind. What if I could non-judgmentally accept the possibility that everything I think I know may be wrong or inaccurate.
A little later I was listening to a recent Fresh Air podcast with host Terry Gross entitled “Deep Breaths: How Breathing Affects Sleep, Anxiety, and Resilience “ and her guest, James Nestor author of Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art.
Every yoga teacher, Tai Chi teacher, dance teacher and Buddhist teacher I have ever had stressed paying attention to the breath. I have been taught the value of deep breathing, alternate nostril breathing, and attending to the energy one is breathing in and out. Nearly all the clients with/for whom I work are recipients of my belief in the value of breathing.
Several of the ancient books of The Tao deals with breath.
I thought I had some respect for the breath and, yet, listening to James Nestor I found that I know nothing about breathing. Although one of my current Tai Chi instructors stresses one can breathe through the nose and not the mouth, he does not explain why that is important. Various teachers have taught me such techniques as alternative nostril breathing but I do not recall anyone explaining that the body naturally alternates between nostrils . When one is breathing through the right nostril circulation speeds up which affects a number of other body functions and when one is breathing through he left nostril all slows down. I also learned that the nose filters breath and triggers certain hormones, affects heart rate and even menstrual cycles. There are erectile tissues in the nasal passages which affect erective tissues in the genitals and vice versa. Certain sleep issues perhaps can be treated with a simple small taping of the mouth to help force breathing through the nose. (a very small piece of surgical tape) and for some effectively reduce or stop snoring- even reduce sleep apnea for some.
Many readers will find the Fresh Air podcast and Mr. Nestor’s book very illuminating and may give one some suggestions for talking with one’s physician. I will listen to the podcast again and I have ordered M. Nestor’s book. My approach to health care and breathing will be a more central part of my work for/with clients.
Most important, I need to daily remind myself that I don’t know what I do not know. Although I read a lot, listen to many podcasts, attend lectures when possible, listen to Ted Talks, complete many correspondence courses and try to practice listening I still do not know what I do not know. I am tempted to say that I know nothing although that is not entirely true. Despite knowing I do not know I often make statements with such an air of profundity (arrogance) that one might assume that I know even when I know that I do not know. I might even convince myself that I “know”. Thinking that I know also affects my hearing. When I “know” something there is no reason to listen to what others are telling me. I might be arrogant enough to assume that age, gender, political affiliation, religious affiliation and a host of other associations should dictate my willingness to listen.
The 12 step program of recovery which is used my many addicts seeking recovery stresses the HOW of the program – Honesty, Open Mindedness, and Willingness. It is my desire to be more honest in facing my inflated ego, more open to learning and more willing to be uncomfortable with not knowing.
Written May 28, 2020
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
For whatever reason early this morning before I had exercised, listened to any podcasts or read anything, I was thinking what if I could begin each day with a completely open mind. What if I could non-judgmentally accept the possibility that everything I think I know may be wrong or inaccurate.
A little later I was listening to a recent Fresh Air podcast with host Terry Gross entitled “Deep Breaths: How Breathing Affects Sleep, Anxiety, and Resilience “ and her guest, James Nestor author of Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art.
Every yoga teacher, Tai Chi teacher, dance teacher and Buddhist teacher I have ever had stressed paying attention to the breath. I have been taught the value of deep breathing, alternate nostril breathing, and attending to the energy one is breathing in and out. Nearly all the clients with/for whom I work are recipients of my belief in the value of breathing.
Several of the ancient books of The Tao deals with breath.
I thought I had some respect for the breath and, yet, listening to James Nestor I found that I know nothing about breathing. Although one of my current Tai Chi instructors stresses one can breathe through the nose and not the mouth, he does not explain why that is important. Various teachers have taught me such techniques as alternative nostril breathing but I do not recall anyone explaining that the body naturally alternates between nostrils . When one is breathing through the right nostril circulation speeds up which affects a number of other body functions and when one is breathing through he left nostril all slows down. I also learned that the nose filters breath and triggers certain hormones, affects heart rate and even menstrual cycles. There are erectile tissues in the nasal passages which affect erective tissues in the genitals and vice versa. Certain sleep issues perhaps can be treated with a simple small taping of the mouth to help force breathing through the nose. (a very small piece of surgical tape) and for some effectively reduce or stop snoring- even reduce sleep apnea for some.
Many readers will find the Fresh Air podcast and Mr. Nestor’s book very illuminating and may give one some suggestions for talking with one’s physician. I will listen to the podcast again and I have ordered M. Nestor’s book. My approach to health care and breathing will be a more central part of my work for/with clients.
Most important, I need to daily remind myself that I don’t know what I do not know. Although I read a lot, listen to many podcasts, attend lectures when possible, listen to Ted Talks, complete many correspondence courses and try to practice listening I still do not know what I do not know. I am tempted to say that I know nothing although that is not entirely true. Despite knowing I do not know I often make statements with such an air of profundity (arrogance) that one might assume that I know even when I know that I do not know. I might even convince myself that I “know”. Thinking that I know also affects my hearing. When I “know” something there is no reason to listen to what others are telling me. I might be arrogant enough to assume that age, gender, political affiliation, religious affiliation and a host of other associations should dictate my willingness to listen.
The 12 step program of recovery which is used my many addicts seeking recovery stresses the HOW of the program – Honesty, Open Mindedness, and Willingness. It is my desire to be more honest in facing my inflated ego, more open to learning and more willing to be uncomfortable with not knowing.
Written May 28, 2020
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
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