This may seem silly but I have to ask. When you (anyone out there) are running energy and doing the 1-4,2-6 and 4-4 breaths, do you breathe quietly or a bit noisily? I've been breathing noisily, like the yoga Ujjayi breath, because it helps me concentrate, but my kids complaine that it's weird. Also, do you breathe through your nose or through your mouth? Thanks for any input.

I'm noisy. As soon as the enery gets flowing I automatically snap into that yogic breathing thru the back of the throat. I put on music so that I feel less self conscious about the noise.

It doesn't really matter. I am a quiet breather, but I tend to breath rather slowly. I use the faster breaths when I feel the need. Some people get the sense that it ups their flow of energy to breath in the way you are talking about. If that is the you feel, then breathe that way. However, I have found most people doing this type of breathing are trying too hard. Remember, the more relaxed and comfortable that you are, the easier the energy flows.