ith mental apathy, it
follows that a dread of exerting oneself is always to be found coupled
with a hatred of being forced to think.

It is, therefore, essential for the man who would acquire poise to
fortify himself in advance against physical weaknesses which, by
undermining his will-power, will soon furnish him with the most
plausible reasons for losing interest in the steady application that is
needed for accomplishing his purpose.

In achieving the conquest of poise certain physical exercises, practised
every day, and vigorously followed out, will be found of considerable
help.

Before discussing the practical methods which are at once their
starting-point and their result, we will consider in turn the series of
exercises that must be performed each day in order to keep oneself in
the condition of physical well-being which allows of the accomplishment
of moral reform.

CHAPTER III

FOUR SERIES OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES

FIRST SERIES--BREATHING

The point of departure for the cultivation of poise, like that of
everything else in fact, must be a well-ordered system of hygiene, far
removed from excess, and insisting only upon the points we have already
indicated.

Without wishing to fall into the well-known error of so many modern
teachers, who assign an exaggerated importance to breathing exercises,
we must, nevertheless, admit the great role that respiration plays in
physical balance.

We are now speaking, understand, of methodical breathing, we might
almost term it "reasoned" breathing.

Every one, of course, breathes without being aware of it from the moment
of his birth to the hour of his death, but very few people are aware how
to increase the power and to enlarge the capacity of their lungs.

Nevertheless, upon these conditions it is that activity depends, as well
as the health and the energy that enables us to consecrate ourselves to
the pursuit of a definite aim.

Without having to lay claim to a vast knowledge of medicine one can
discover that all repeated exercise tends to strengthen the organ that
is employed.

Thus, well-directed and carefully practised breathing gives the heart a
stronger beat and facilitates the action of the lungs.

From these arises a general feeling of physical well-being, which tends
to the preservation of good health and stores up the energy we need to
carry out our resolves.

It is, then, advisable to devote several minutes every day to breathing
exer