The Art & Science of Personal Magnetism

 

by Theron Q. Dumont

 

 

 

The Art and Science of Personal Magnetism    Page 2  Previous Page

 


Without wishing to lead you into the subtleties of Oriental psychology, with its complicated forms of breathing for psychic and spiritual development, etc., I must call your attention, at this point, to the philosophy underlying some of the Oriental breathing practices, for the same is based on the soundest scientific principals. The Oriental philosophy teaches that each mental and physical state of the individual is represented by a special rhythm of breath, the rhythm and condition always being found together. The mental or physical condition will invariably manifest the particular rhythm of breath, which belongs to it; and, likewise (and this is one of the occult secrets) the deliberate assumption of a particular rhythm of breath will speedily result in the manifestation of the appropriate physical or mental condition. 

You have but to consider the subject for a moment, to see that when you are frightened or angry, you breathe with a different rhythm than when you are calm and peaceful. Each emotion, up and down the scale, has its own appropriate rhythm of breath, which invariably manifests at the same time. Moreover, different physical conditions like wise manifest in coordinated breath-rhythms. Keep a close watch on yourself, and those around you, and you will soon see that the above statements of facts are strictly correct. You will wonder why you never noticed the phenomena before. 

A little less known, even, is the correlated fact that the deliberate assumption or "acting out" of the particular breath –rhythm related to a particular emotion, will result in a speedy experiencing of the emotion itself. This also may be tested out on yourself. 

You will find that a few moments’ anger-breath or fear-breath (if well acted out, or assumed faithfully) will result in you soon experiencing a feeling of anger or fear, as the case may be. Likewise, you will find that the deliberate assumption, on your part, of the breath-rhythm of peace, calm, self-control, will be sufficient to induce that particular state of feeling in you. There is a big hint in this last sentence, by the way, for that is exactly what the Oriental sages do to induce and maintain the mental state of philosophic calm for which they are noted. In this connection, let us remind you that when you are endeavouring to control your temper, and to maintain your pose, under extreme provocation, you will find that you instinctively strive to control your breath-rhythm, which shows a marked tendency to fly off into a state of rapid panting and gasping. And, so long as you can maintain your steady controlled rhythm of breath, you will maintain your poise and self-control. 

Well, to make a long story short – to get right down to the gist of the subject of the absorption of nerve-force through controlled breath-rhythm – let me say to you (1) that there is a breath-rhythm which nature uses to restore nerve force to the depleted system, after a great demand upon it in the direction of either a strong mental or emotional strain, or after a severe physical strain; and (2) that a deliberate assumption or "acting out" of this particular breath-rhythm will result in your being able to quickly absorb a greatly increased supply of nerve-force for the purpose of use in personal magnetism – to render you full of physical magnetism, in fact. Do you catch this point? If not, reread the above paragraph, several times, until you fully grasp the importance of the statements therein contained – for they comprise exactly on e-half of the philosophy of nerve-force generation – and much more besides if you are able to grasp it. 

You naturally ask, at this point: "What is this particular breath-rhythm which nature uses to aid us in recuperating, and which nature uses to aid using recuperating, and which may be assumed with such wonderful result?" Very well, let me answer you by asking you another question, namely: "How do you breathe when you begin to recuperate just after a sever emotional, mental or physical strain, when the characteristic first panting breath quiets down?" If you will consider carefully, you will answer that you generally begin by one or two long drawn out sighing breaths, followed by a period of calm, deliberate, slow, deep breaths. You may not have noticed it, but these last calm, deep breaths are marked by a slow but regular rhythm – as regular, indeed, as the slow swing of the pendulum of a large clock, or the accompanying "tick" thereof. You will find that this slow, regular rhythmic breath continues for some little time, until you feel refreshed and reinvigorated, when the breath will drop into the normal "everyday" rhythm, and the task is over. 

Well, this is exactly the breath-rhythm, which, if properly assumed and well "acted-out," will result in drawing to you a greatly increased supply of nerve-force from the universal storehouse of the same, i.e., the atmosphere around you. 

I ask you, student, to pause at his point, and reread the preceding paragraph. Consider it carefully, roll it over in our mind, until you fully grasp its tremendous significance, and fully make it your own thought. For in those few lines is condensed a statement of wonderful truth, which, if taken advantage of, will transform you into a very giant of physical magnetism. Do not proceed with this reading, until you have fully grasped the importance of the information just given you. 

But do not imagine that you can jump at once into this great power. You must first gradually acquire the exact rhythm for yourself – for I can do no more than to indicate it to you. I cannot say, "Breathe in just so many seconds; hold the breath just so many; and then breathe out just so many," and so on, as many teachers have done – some who should have known better, for that matter. For each person has his or her own particular breath-rhythm of this kind, the difference arising from mental or physical formation and characteristics. 

The following is the rule – the only rule – in this matter: "Ascertain, first, the precise breath-rhythm which nature has given you for use in moments of recuperation after extreme mental, emotional or physical strain; and then, second, practice the same voluntarily by assuming, or acting out the mental and physical conditions producing it, until the rhythm becomes fixed in your memory, so that you can easily reproduce it, instinctively, when you wish." Read this rule over until you thoroughly understand it. 

You will find it somewhat difficult to assume or act out the conditions producing the rhythm, at first, unless you happen to be a natural or well-trained actor. But keep trying, until you master it. Practice will make perfect, in this as in everything else, remember. Mentally place yourself in the same vibrations as when you were under some great strain of mind, emotion or body, in the past; and you will find that the same will be followed by an acting-out of the period of recuperation, with its accompaniment of appropriate breath-rhythm. Each student will manage this in his, or her, own way, and will get the result, if persistent, persevering effort were made. 

You will find that the first indication of the recuperating breath-rhythm will usually be a long drawn out sigh, followed by a moment of rest, which, in turn, is followed by an easy, though deep, slow, deliberate succession of in-breathing and out-breathing, in perfect rhythm, which will be accompanied by a feeling of increased strength and vitality, of mind and body – delighted to experience is the feeling of "relief" and fresh vigor, vitality and vim which results from this breath-rhythm. 

In practicing this recuperative breath-rhythm for the purpose of resting, gaining strength, or increasing your store of nerve-force, do not fall into the too-common error of artificial rhythmic breathing. Do not make the mistake of trying to count the seconds of the breath; or to make the breaths extend neither over a particular time, nor to exactly match each other; or to retain the breath any special time; nor to count time between breaths; or anything of that kid. Forget all about the artificial standards, and give yourself up entirely to a peaceful, calm feeling of relief and recuperation, which nature will bestow upon you if you will create the right conditions for the manifesting of her power. Do not be artificial – trust nature to "run the thing" aright and leave everything in her hands. 

Do not bother at this point, to wonder just how many times a day you must practice this exercise in order to gain physical magnetism and absorb nerve-force. That point will be covered in a latter chapter, in connection with the accompanying process of nerve-force distribution – the sole thing before you now is to learn how to produce this breath-rhythm, and to practice until you can produce it at will, easily and naturally, without effort or strain – instinctively, in fact. Until you accomplish this, there is no use of your bothering yourself about the succeeding stages. 

And, now a word about practicing this step. Do not overdo the thing – make hast slowly. It is a matter of growth and development with you, and you should not try to rush things too rapidly. Let nature proceed to make the process instinctive, and do not fall into the mistake of pulling up the roots of our plant in order to see whether it has grown overnight. It will grow. Never fear. You will know when you are on the right track, and will be aware of your progress, by reason of your increasing sense of vigor, vitality and vim. 

Remember, finally, that the secret of the whole this is that you have discovered how nature recuperates the system in times of extreme necessity; and have then learned how to draw upon this sources of energy at will, thereby increasing the supply far above the ordinary. It is just as if you had discovered a bottle containing the elixir of energy which kind Mother Nature uses to recuperate you in times of need; and then you had learned that you could partake of the elixir, daily, or whenever you felt like it; and were consequently enabled to increase your energy and vitality far above the average. The comparison or figure of speech is not exaggerated – for in this secret you have indeed discovered the elixir of vitality, vigor and vim; that is, if you use it aright. 



In the preceding Chapter I have given you general instructions regarding the first phase of nerve-force by means of certain forms of rhythmic breathing. I now proceed to the general instruction regarding the second phase of nerve-force generation, namely, the distribution of the absorbed nerve-force to the nervous system, and particularly to the great reservoirs of nerve-force. 

This process of nerve-force distribution naturally follows directly after that of nerve-force absorption, the two being coordinated phases of one of nature’s recuperative processes. Just as is the process of the recuperative breath-rhythm, nature’s way of restoring to the system a fresh supply of nerve-force to replace that used in the extra-ordinary mental, emotional or physical strain preceding it, so is the process of nerve-force absorption another (or twin) method of nature to distribute the absorbed nerve-force to all parts of the body, strengthening and invigorating, vitalizing and stimulating, each and every part of the body, and at the same time storing up in the great reservoirs of the nervous system a reserve supply of nerve-force for times of future need. 

Again you ask: "What is nature’s way of distributing the absorbed nerve-force, as above stated, which also is the way in which you state students of personal magnetism may distribute their absorbed nerve-force or physical magnetism?" As in the case of the previous question, I answer, "Go to nature herself, and discover her method." Let us then do so. 

Investigating nature’s method of distributing physical magnetism or nerve-force, what do we find nature doing just after the person is exhausted by mental, emotional or physical exertion – that is, in addition to the peculiar breath-rhythm. Answer: We find, accompanying the long deep sigh preceding the breath-rhythm, and also, following the rhythmic breathing, a tendency to "stretch" the muscles of the body. Not only do we notice this phenomenon at such times, but also it is to be observed when we awaken in the morning with a yawn, followed by an instinctive stretching of the muscles. We observe the same thing after we have used up nerve-force in listening, reading, studying, etc. – in fact, in any action, which has required concentrated attention. It is always the yawn, the deep sigh, the measured breath, and, finally, the stretching of the muscles. 

Now, do not dismiss this matter with a trifling jest, or an amused smile – for this stretching of the muscles in one of nature’s most important offices. It is nature’s own favorite way of distributing to all parts of the body the nerve-force being absorbed into the system. It is nature’s own way of sending a vitalizing and invigorating current to the places in which it is needed. And, moreover, if we will take her seriously; examine the meaning of her process; and then intelligently apply the same in our work of developing physical magnetism, we will have gained an important secret of nature, and one which we will not be willing to part with, once it is applied and turned to account. 

In the first place this "stretching" is something far more than a manifestation of laziness, weariness, or fatigue. It is an instinctive action resulting from nature’s recognition of the need of a fresh supply of nerve-force, and her rush to supply the needed energy. Do not mistake and confuse causes and effects in this matter. 

You will notice, in cases of complete "stretching," a twofold motion, viz.: (1) An extensions; and (2) a tensing or contraction of the muscles, in the direction of drawing in the extended limbs or parts of the body. Now note this, both of these motions are forms of "tensing" or contracting the muscles. The extension movements result from the tension or contracting of the opposite set of muscles. The principal muscles of the body are arranged in opposing sets, one being used to push out, and the other to draw in, the limb or portion of the body. You may always count on the presence of these opposing sets of muscles. When in the process of stretching you first extend, and then draw in the limbs, you rally are tensing both of the opposing sets, in turn. For what purpose? Let us see. 

Nature’s purpose in tensing the opposing muscles, in the above stated case seems to be that of "squeezing out" something from the muscles. And that is exactly what it is – a squeezing out of something. Of what? Of the old, stale, weakened nerve-force of physical magnetism. Why? – To what end? To the end that the supply of fresh, vital, strong nerve-force or physical magnetism may rush in to take the place thereof. 

This is equally true in the case of the brain exhaustion, nerve-exhaustion, or muscle-exhausting – for the brain cells, the nerves themselves, and the muscles are kept vitalized and invigorated by the same form of energy, coming from the same source. Moreover, the fresh supply of nerve-force pouring into the muscles and cells, from the great nerve-force reservoirs of the nervous system, leave the latter more or less depleted, and cause them to call for a fresh adequate supply from the universal source. In short, the stretching process sets into operation the whole machinery of the distribution of the system’s supply of nerve-force, and results in the whole nervous mechanism being give a new impetus. 

This is the secret of the personal magnetism adept’s method of distributing a fresh supply of physical magnetism or nerve-force to all parts of the system, at will – thus rendering himself a veritable dynamo of physical magnetism, if he so desires. 

But there is more to this method of the student than mere ordinary "stretching," I assure you. The ordinary stretching is simply an elementary form of nerve-force distribution. I shall call your attention to an extension of, and improvement upon, the elementary method. You have probably heard of that from of calisthenics generally known as "the tensing exercises." Well, in that system you may find the seed of a much more efficient system. The tensing system of calisthenics is taught for the purpose of exercising the muscles – only this and nothing more. It has been found to bring about the greatest results, and to greatly develop the muscles and benefit the general system. Why? "Oh just exercise," replies the physical culturist. But we know better, for while we realize the benefit obtained from these sensible exercises alone, we also understand how such a rational course of exercise must result in greatly invigorating the entire system, by distributing the nerve-force, and as a consequence bringing about the absorption of a fresh supply to the great reservoir centers of the nervous system, do we not? 

We have three decided points of advantage over the "tensing exercise" school, as follows: (1) We precede our tensing exercises by rhythmic breathing exercises, thus bringing to our reservoirs a fresh supply of magnetism or nerve-force; (2) we proceed leisurely and almost "lazily," our idea being that of "stretching" as opposed to the idea of vigorous exercise by tensing, the latter being held by the "tensing exercise" school; and (3) we understand the real reason for the tensing, and hence are able to apply it intelligently, instead of in a hit-or-miss style. 

The addition of the rhythmic breath, of course, gives a new and novel impetus to the work of nerve-force distribution; in fact the latter cannot be perfectly performed without the former. This the ordinary tensing exercise practitioner almost entirely misses, except in so far as he becomes fatigued by his vigorous exercise, and is forced to breathe rhythmically, as a consequence, thereby unconsciously obtaining at least some of the benefits of the rhythmic breath. The ordinary tensing exercise student, once given our key of the rhythmic breath, is enabled to attain results impossible to him before. He sees a great light, as a consequence. 

My students of personal magnetism proceed about the exercises for distribution of nerve-force, or physical magnetism, in an entirely different manner from that of the ordinary practitioner of the tensing exercise systems. The latter work themselves into an exhausted condition, under the belief that their muscles will become better developed by such vigorous exercise. As a consequence, many of them wear out as much as they acquire, of muscular development. My students, instead, pursue anything but a strenuous course of exercising in tensing. Instead of moving vigorously, they proceed slowly, calmly and almost "lazily" in tensing the muscles, in turn extending and then drawing in. They keep before them, all the time; nature’s own processes of "stretching," and model their movements entirely upon the same. In this way, as a consequence, there in no exhaustion or using up of nerve-force or tissue to any marked extent, but, on the contrary, there is a constant taking in and distribution of magnetism from the centers to the parts, and consequently a marked increase in vigor, vitality and vim. The difference can be understood perfectly only when one practices my exercises for himself or herself. 

Finally, it follows that a much greater effect is obtained by one who practices any form of exercises, understandingly, and with full knowledge of the "why" as well as the "how" of the thing – of the theory as well as the practice. When one knows just what he is about, and just what he wishes and expects to obtain, then he has gained half of the battle. Lacking this knowledge, he wastes energy and effort, and does much that had better be left undone, while leaving undone much that should be done. Verily, "knowledge is power" in this case, as in many others. 

It is somewhat amusing, though sad, to see these "tensing exercise" people using themselves up in vigorous exercising, and, at the same time, losing nine-tenths of the benefits gained by those practicing the "lazy" stretching exercises, accompanied by the rhythmic breath, as taught to my students. 



I shall now instruct you in the direction of certain forms of exercise designed to generate nerve-force, or physical magnetism, both in the phase of absorption and that of distribution, according to the general principles set forth in the preceding chapters. 

Absorption. The exercises, themselves, are designed to give a free and full distribution to the nerve-force or physical magnetism, but the student must always remember that before the nerve-force may be distributed it must first be absorbed. The absorption, of course, is performed by means of the breath-rhythm, according to the instruction already given you. 

IMPORTANT: Remember that every series of distribution exercises must be preceded, and followed, by the practice of the rhythmic breath for a few moments. It will also be found beneficial and useful to interject a short period of rhythmic breathing in between these exercises, from time to time. You will soon discover the need of this, from your own feelings. After you have gained familiarity and ease in practicing the distribution exercises, you will find yourself becoming very sensitive to the inflow of the nerve-force during the breath-rhythm exercise, and in a short time will know by your feelings exactly when you need to absorb more nerve-force during the exercise. 

At this point I wish to again remind the student that one of the main features of my nerve-force exercises is that of the entire absence of artificiality, and the presence of "naturalness." I do not give set forms of breathing, to be practiced just so often, for so many minutes at a time. Instead, I give the general principles of the method – the "why" as well as the "how" – and then bid the student to be governed entirely by his own instincts in the matter of the duration of exercises, and frequency of the same. 

After a short time the student will fall into the natural habit, just as he does into the habits of eating and drinking, and he will know exactly when he should practice nerve-force generation, and how long he should continue the exercises. 

Keep the words "Be Natural" before your mind, and you will make no mistake. Never overdo the exercises, or force yourself to perform them when you do not feel like it. Avoid anything approaching artificiality in the matter. Sometimes you may go a long time without practicing and again you may feel the need of the same very often – in either case follow nature’s urgings. Again, you may feel like taking but a moment’s exercises at a time – like taking a sip of water, while on other occasions you will feel like taking a long spell of exercise – like taking a deep draught of water when you happen to be very thirsty – follow nature in both instances. 

STRETCHING EXERCISE. I will begin by calling your attention to a form of exercise which consists of intelligent simple "stretching," but which form of exercise will be found very beneficial. There are a variety of forms of this exercise. I will give you a few general forms, and you may then enlarge on these, and invent combinations, variations, etc. 

I. Lying on your back, extend your arms upward over your head, to their full extent – stretch them out easily but thoroughly as far as they will go. Then slowly pull them in. Repeat several times. 

II. Stretch the arms sideways from the body – out and then in, several times. 

III. Stretch the legs in the same way, several times. 

IV. Stretch the neck several times. 

V. Stretch the hand and fingers, by moving the hands backward and forward from the wrist, clenching and unclenching the fist: opening and closing the fingers. 

VI. Stretch the feet and toes, in the same general manner as in the case of the hands and fingers. 

VII. Turn over and lie on your stomach, with the face down on the pillow or floor, and repeat the above exercise in this position. This will bring into play a number of muscles not employed in the former position. 

VIII. Rise to your feet and stand with the legs spread out, the feet several feet apart, with arms extended upward and outward. This will bring your body into the general shape of the letter "X." Then rise to your toes and stretch upward as if you were trying to touch the ceiling. 

Repeat several times. 

You will be surprised at the feeling of rest and renewed strength, which will come to you as the result of the practicing of the above simple stretching exercises. And yet, simple as they are, these exercises perform a great work. You must not lose sight of the fact that when you tense these muscles, in the act of stretching and then contracting the limbs, you really "squeeze out" the old, worn out, depleted magnetism, and absorb in its place a fresh supply of vigor, vitality and vim from the great reservoirs of the nervous system. 

Carry in your mind the idea of the sponge, which in order to absorb fully a supply of fresh water, must first be thoroughly squeezed out. The process of the absorption and distribution of nerve-force is very close indeed to the process of the squeezing-out and refilling of the sponge. The following "tensing exercises" are really but an extension of the stretching exercises, more elaborate and complicated, but embodying the same principle. They are useful in energizing the several parts of the body, which are not actively energized by the simple stretching exercises. 

Shoulders and Chest. Stand erect; feet close together; arms at sides. Then draw forward your shoulders, as far front as they will go. Hold the position a moment, and then slowly press the shoulders back as far as they will go. This will tend to energize the shoulders and chest. 

The chest may also be energized by taking a few deep, full breaths, which will inflate the lungs and thus extend the chest. The shoulders may also be energized by raising them upward in a "shrug" and then slowly lowering them to original position. 

Arms, Wrists, and Hands. Any simple exercise, which will extend and then contract the arm-muscles, will serve to energize the arms. Twisting them first one-way and then another will do likewise. Twisting the wrist and moving the hands loosely backward and forward from the wrist tends to energize several very important muscles and nerves in this part of the body. 

Clenching and unclenching the hands will energize the hands and fingers. Spreading out the fingers fan-shape and then drawing them together will energize the fingers thoroughly. 

Legs, Feet, and Toes. Follow the general idea of the arm and hand exercises, just mentioned, in the case of the legs, feet and toes. "Squatting" energizes the thighs. Raising up the toes and then lowering to original position energizes the calves of the legs. The "standing-still run" is a good general leg energizer. 

Neck. Move the neck forward, as far as it will go, then backward, as far as it will go; then sideways, to the right, as far as it will go – then to the left in the same way; then twist to the right as far as it will go, then to the left in the same manner. These are splendid neck energizers. There are important nerves running through the neck, which are energized by these exercises. 

Twisting and Bending. What may be called "a twisting" of the different parts of the body serves to energize the parts very well indeed. In the same way, "bending" exercises are good. 

Not only may the legs and arms be twisted easily and effectively, but the entire trunk of the body may be equally effectively twisted by standing erect with feet, say eight or ten inches apart, toes out, and arms hanging easily by the sides; then easily twisting the body to the right, the neck, trunk and thighs being carried as far as they will go; then twisting to the left in the same manner; repeating several times. Bending the body to the right, then to the left, then forward, then backward, is a good energizer. 

In a Nutshell. The foregoing exercises might be elaborated into a book by itself – but what’s the use? I have given you in a nutshell the main elements of the exercises, and you may do the elaborating yourself. In fact, I can sum up the general principles of the exercises in three words, viz.: STRETCHING, TWISTING, And BENDING. Think over these three words, and you will see that if you will apply them in every possible way to the various parts of the body, you will have a whole system of tensing exercises at your command, without purchasing expensive textbooks on the subject. And, also, remember that in any and all of the so-called "tensing exercises" systems is to be found the best possible principle of nerve-force distribution – always, however, remembering to include the rhythmic breathing according to my previously given instructions. Now, get to work and exercise your ingenuity in devising variations and combinations of the "stretching, twisting and bending" principles. This will energize your mind as well as your body. 

Energizing the Solar Plexus. The Solar Plexus lies exactly behind the pit of the stomach. It may be energized by practicing a "drawing in" of the abdominal muscles. This may prove a little difficult at first, but a little practice will make perfect. Draw the abdominal muscles "inward and upward" several times at each exercise. 

 

 

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