Learning to Breathe, Learn to Meditate
Breathing is an important part of every type of meditation (both active and passive!) as focusing on the breath is an integral part of the practice.
Many forms of meditation begin by taking deep breaths, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth. Breathing is a crucial part of meditating and it’s important to know that there are proper ways to breathe. Take a deep breath right now and exhale. Did you notice if your body stretched up when you inhaled and slouched when you exhaled? Now take one more breath, but now pay attention to the movement of your body.
Take another deep breath, but this time expand your belly outwards as you inhale and pull your belly button inwards as you exhale. This might not feel natural at first, but this is the proper way to breath. Taking deep breaths like this allow more oxygen to circulate throughout the body and this will aid with your meditation practice.
Certain meditations have you hold your breath for a prolonged period of time. If you hold your breath for an extended period of time, you’ll most likely feel faint which is normal because typically you don’t deliver that much oxygen throughout your body. There are many benefits to deep breathing though, one of them being improved circulation.
Other breathing exercises have you take 10 deep breaths in through the nose followed by 10 quick breaths out of the nose. Deep breathing exercises will improve your entire meditation practice, regardless of what type of exercises you decide to do. You’ll be able to achieve greater relaxation and mental clarity, which will in turn lead to peace of mind and self-awareness.
Start being mindful of your breath in meditation and expand this focus to other areas of your life. Your meditation practice will improve and you’ll experience the other benefits deep breathing has to offer!
