There is profound spiritual energy in love and intimacy. If the subject makes you uncomfortable, you may want to skip this section. But even if you’re mildly curious, read on.

Tantric (or Transformative) yoga is a spiritual system, if you will, that goes back many centuries. The ultimate goal is spiritual union with the cosmic consciousness, God, or whatever your particular words are for a higher power. Tantra can elevate a couple's relationship to the level of art.

We interviewed Dr. Johanina Wikoff, a noted psychologist and Tantric instructor, who had some dynamic things to say about love, intimacy and the breath.

This nurturing meditation is a simple yet profound Tantric breathing exercise to help sustain energy in a relationship and draw partners closer together. It allows couples to communicate on at least three levels: On the conscious level, skin to skin; on the respiratory level, breath to breath; and on the most subtle level chakra to chakra (which, as you may remember, are disks of energy that correspond to specific areas of the body - the base of the spine, the genitals, behind the navel, the heart, the throat, between the eyebrows and the crown of the head). Over a period of time such regular communication creates a kind of synergy between the partners’ chakras.

Couples lie together spoon fashion on their left sides (for reasons of energy flow, according to the ancient Tantric texts). Whoever feels the most in need of nurturing, whoever has experienced the most stress that day, should take the inside. As you lie together, close your eyes and relax. Use the Six-Second Breath technique (breathe in for 2 counts, hold for 1 count, exhale for 2 counts, hold for 1 count) to begin quieting your mind. Slowly and gracefully become aware of your partner’s breath...

We love our Kanji Breathe symbol so much we put it on everything, including this wall clock. It's a graceful reminder to take a few deep breaths. Our online store offers everything from apparel and messenger bags, to this clock (pictured), refrigerator magnets, mugs, clocks, notepads, ball caps and much, much more.

Al spent several bitter-cold days in New York City in February, where he delivered presentations on Perfect Breathing for the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Expo (CAM EXPO) and the ALS Association of Greater New York.

"More and more people are realizing how conscious breathing techniques are a perfect complement to many other health and healing practices," says Al. "We're looking forward to the release of our book, 'As I Live & Breathe,' there in early 2008."

There's still time to schedule your Perfect Breathing seminar or keynote for 2007. You and your company or organization can take advantage of Perfect Breathing's customized training and presentations. This isn't some wacky, woo-woo snooze-fest. Al presents not only the latest and most compelling scientific and medical information, but valuable, practical techniques to improve health, battle stress, and become a more productive, creative person.

For a reservation:
al@perfectbreathing.com

• Breathe Your Way to a Better Memory (Response Source)

• Be Kissable: Get rid of bad breath (MSNBC)

• Pain Relief Can Be A Breath Away (KCRA/Sacramento)

Thanks for being part of Perfect Breath. Stay tuned! If you have comments, questions or suggestions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,