How To Enter Flow State On Command

The 3-Minute Samurai Breathing Technique

In feudal Japan, samurai warriors faced a unique problem...They needed to perform at their absolute best when stakes were highest, when a single mistake meant death. They couldn't afford to freeze, overthink, let fear cloud their judgment in battle, or hesitate for even a fraction of a second.So they developed a practice...Before dawn, dedicated warriors would sit in meditation and perform specific breathing exercises.And they weren't random either - they were designed to sharpen focus and access what they called "mushin" or "no-mind." This is the state where your body moves without hesitation, where decisions happen instantly, where you're completely absorbed in the present moment, and where second-guessing becomes almost impossible.Modern athletes call it "the zone" or "flow state."The samurai understood something we're only now rediscovering:The fastest way to control your mind is through your breathing.What follows is a simple breathing technique adapted from these ancient practices.It takes three minutes, and once you learn it, you'll have a tool you can use anywhere, anytime you need crystal-clear focus and steady nerves.Use it before writing an email to your list... jumping on a sales call with a client... tackling a difficult project... or making an important decision... whatever.Whenever you need to perform at your best or need to declutter your brain, this breathing exercise will help you get there.Let's get started...

The Technique

This breathing exercise works with two organs: your lungs and your kidneys.Each cycle takes about 90 seconds, and you'll repeat each one three times.

Part 1: The Tiger Breath (Lungs)

  • Sit comfortably and close your eyes

  • Visualize yourself as a powerful white tiger — strong, alert, fearless, grounded

  • Inhale slowly through your nose, imagining pure white energy filling your lungs

  • Hold the breath for 2-3 seconds while maintaining the image of the white tiger

  • Exhale slowly through your mouth with your lips slightly pressed together, making a soft "sssss" sound

  • As you exhale, visualize dark, cloudy energy leaving your body — this is tension, worry, mental clutter, and distraction

  • Repeat this cycle three times

After three cycles, pause and notice how your mind feels — probably quieter, clearer, and more settled.

Part 2: The Deer Breath (Kidneys)

  • Keep your eyes closed

  • Visualize yourself as either a deer leaping effortlessly over obstacles, or a dolphin jumping 20 feet out of the water — graceful, powerful, fearless, in complete control

  • Inhale slowly through your nose, imagining blue energy (the color of water) filling your kidneys in your lower back

  • Hold the breath for 2-3 seconds

  • Exhale through slightly pressed lips, making a gentle whistling or "whooo" sound

  • As you exhale, release any anxiety or fear as dark, cloudy energy leaving your body

  • Repeat this cycle three times

What You'll NoticeAfter completing both exercises, you'll likely feel calm, focused, and slightly lightheaded — almost like a natural high from the shift in oxygen and CO2 levels.Your mind will be clear and ready to work. This is flow state, and this is when you do your best work.Use this practice whenever you need mental clarity. The more you do it, the faster you'll drop into this state.

Anthony La Tour
Digital Writer | Entrepreneur

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