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Correspondence from Harold J. Lloyd to J.F.C. Fuller
Harold J. Lloyd.
Highfield 17, Sandford Road, Moseley, Birmingham
7th September 1910.
Dear Captain Fuller,
I have been on the Pranayama exercises now for about a month on the "in 5, hold 10 and out 10" basis, The first week or so indigestion was very marked, so much so that I almost had to give up. However, I have got over that. This week I tried 10, 10, 20 but with great distress and I am wondering whether to go on or revert to the 5, 10, 10, which I feel I have mastered as regards time. I ought to add that I am doing this breathing in at the left nostril and out at the right as you instructed, although I feel I could get better results alternatively, I think. Further, I haven't much success with the idea of the AUM when expelling the breath, nor is there any continued and satisfactory sense of rhythm, although I get glimpses of it. The thought control varies. I am inclined to suspect a weakness here, although I don't understand why it is that when studying I can concentrate without difficulty for a good period. Perhaps you could suggest some definite exercise for this if you think necessary.
Another point. Sometimes I do my exercises with a strong will which causes tenseness in the body and seems to produce strain. Am I to avoid rigidity of muscle etc. when at Pranayama. For example, on Monday I tried lengthening the breaths. The body kicked—so to speak; but I forced the pace. The result has been a slight pain from the medulla oblongata a little way down the spine and general nerviness. May I disregard this and go ahead as if it were not there. In the past—some years ago—when doing exercises—neuralgia in the head resulted but I got it under without giving way very much.
I should like to know whether you would recommend me to learn any of Liber LXV immediately. I see it stated in the Equinox that sometimes a further book is given to the Neophyte. Perhaps the LXV must be known first.
As to results from exercises, I have felt wonderfully fit, when the exercises have gone off well but cannot note anything further to report. I hope this somewhat rambling letter won't be a nuisance.
With kind regards.
Yours fraternally,
Decrevi
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