In the practice of self-cultivation, there is a profound term: Tiao Xi (调息), or "Regulating the Breath."

To understand it, we must first look at the characters themselves. Tiao (调) means to adjust, harmonize, or coordinate. Xi (息), the character for breath, is composed of two parts: "Self" (自) over "Heart/Mind" (心). Its original meaning is "the breath that originates from the heart." On the surface, Tiao Xi is the conscious adjustment of the rhythm, depth, and length of our breathing to bring the body and mind into a state of tranquility.

Ancient texts state:

"At the beginning of entering the Way (Tao), there are five essential regulations: regulate your food, regulate your sleep, regulate your body, regulate your breath, and regulate your mind." The ancients also frequently said: "Regulating the body is not as good as regulating the breath; regulating the breath is not as good as regulating the mind."

Breathing Evenly Before Thinking Clearly

Classical wisdom suggests that in every profession and walk of life, "regulating the breath" was a fundamental skill. When our "Xi" (breath/energy) is chaotic, it is rarely because we lack air, but because our hearts are hurried.

Many problems in life cannot be solved by "thinking them through" first; instead, they are solved by "breathing them even" first. Science supports this: deep, regulated breathing has a direct impact on our physiological markers. If you measure your blood pressure while regulating your breath, you will see the numbers shift. Whether we acknowledge it or not, the power of breath is undeniable—without it, life itself concludes. Cultivating through Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance

We can deepen our understanding of Tiao Xi by viewing it through the lens of Zhen (Truthfulness), Shan (Compassion), and Ren (Forbearance).

1. Regulating with Truthfulness (Zhen) To regulate the breath with "Truthfulness" means to face your actual state. Under stress or anxiety, our breathing becomes shallow, hurried, and "false." To measure yourself against Truthfulness is to observe your most honest physical condition—without masking tension or pretending to reach a profound state you haven't yet achieved.

2. Regulating with Compassion (Shan) Regulating the breath should never be a violent or forced act of holding or straining. It should be an act of "Compassion." Guide your breath with a gentle, benevolent intent, like a spring rain that nourishes things silently. Every breath of clean air is a form of sustenance for your cells. When you breathe with Compassion, it becomes a nourishment of energy—a peaceful field that heals you and stabilizes those around you.

3. Regulating with Forbearance (Ren) In the early stages, regulating the breath is often boring and filled with distracting thoughts. This requires the power of "Forbearance"—the discipline to suppress a heart that seeks quick results and the patience to guard that thin, weak thread of breath. When anger or desire arises, Tiao Xi is the ultimate practice of Forbearance. By taking a few regulated breaths before acting, you use the rhythm of life to suppress impulse and dissolve malice within the space of a single moment. Conclusion

Tiao Xi may look like you are regulating your breath, but in reality, you are regulating your relationship with yourself. By facing the present with Truthfulness, treating the body and mind with Compassion, and navigating the process with Forbearance, your breath will naturally become smooth, your heart will find peace, and the "Path" will open before you.

I first encountered the term "Tiao Xi" in an extremely precious book. At first, I didn't pay much attention to it. However, later on, during moments of intense anger, I tried to adjust my breath and found it truly worked. Looking back, I realize the inner meaning is incredibly deep. I highly recommend everyone read the original book in its entirety; it offers countless benefits with no harm.