Dear Brian,

Not sure if you are still reading this thread, but the alternate breathing discussed by Haanel is called Pranayama (one type of it anyway). In past centuries it was considered a very important part of yoga, but now 99% of yoga practitioners concentrate solely on the Asanas (postures).

You may find more of the answers that you seek in the works of Swami Sivananda. Particularly "The Science of Pranayama," "How to Live 100 Years," and "Spiritual Experiences." He wrote many more as well.

There are also some books by Swami Gupta, a little more difficult to find, which include pranayama exercises intended for, and explained in a manner for, the beginner.

As others have said, pranayama is best learnt under the supervision of a competent instructor. These are few and far between here in America, but they do exist. With a little diligent internet searching (and willingness to travel), you can find them. There are at least a handful of instructors that I know of from Sivananda's lineage teaching Pranayama across the U.S..

Brian, your question may need some clarification. Because it's hard to decide what angle you took in asking the question.

Is it about a particular yogi?

Is it about how the practice of yoga and the principles of inner development as taught by Charles Haanel can be combined?

Yoga also emphasized the understanding of Consciousness and how one uses their conscious attention on the intended outcome of a particular exercise while doing the exercise, almost like a Physical Meditation.

There are many directions to take from your question, once your implied intent is clarified a little bit more.

It is however, an excellent question to ask, because many can relate to it.

Yes I have to agree with The Traveller, as you stated you read "the book" by Charles Haanel.

Now unless some here read your mind we know not what book you are talking about, which Charles Haanel book?

There have been many Yogis through history although they are rare to find, Jesus is considered a true Yogi by the Hindus he fits every description of what a true Yogi is and every match of every kind of yogi even, there have been many Yogis and most fit one maybe two yogis Jesus fit everyone of them.

So which Yogi are you talking about?

http://www.hinduism.co.za/jesus.htm#Was%20Christ%20a%20Yogi?

Jnana Yogi, Raja Yogi, Bhakti (devotion) Yogi, Karma Yogi

you know what i think meditation is a natural process to master yourself on every level do you need technique to know yourself? apart from sitting straigh focus on one spot and keep awareness! it comes with practice like annything else that you need to master!