Id love to construct a call center at the top of the world, in Tibet.

Its breathtakingly beautiful, for one thing.

But if I could staff the place with monks, how cool would that be?

Do you think theyd be rattled by rejection? Put off by pettiness? Customers would present fine challenges to them, and really test their abilities to transcend.

One thing these contemplatives would do is to make sure that their breathing keeps pace with their work.

In fact, we might want to emulate these practices:

(1) Before answering a line, theyd breathe in advance. This would center them, calm them, and bring them into present moment consciousness. Also, it would carry vital oxygen to their brains, making them alert.

(2) If provoked, or unduly agitated during a conversation, they would draw deep breaths to restore equanimity. If asked a hostile or unusual question, theyd again pause and breathe, before responding.

(3) Between calls, theyd breathe deeply, once more. This clears the air of the last conversation, symbolically noting that the call is done, and now its time for a fresh conversation.

As you can see, my staff of monks would be real breathers!

You dont have to be religious or philosophical to follow their wisdom. Make a point of taking a deep breath between each call you make or take.

Im sure youll find, as I do, that it is a powerful device that energizes and relaxes you at the same time.

Next lesson: group chanting!

Dr. Gary S. Goodman 2006