How to Do Meditative Breathing

Meditation

Meditation is the practice of bringing ones mind into the present. It is good to reminisce and to dream, but when your life is in a constant state of one or the other you are not living life to the fullest. Meditation will help bring the present into focus.

Things You'll Need

• A quiet room and comfortable sitting or reclining space, a soothing CD ( if desired), comfortable clothes.

Instructions

Basic Concentration Based Meditation Breathing

1. Sit on a floor pillow, or comfortable chair. If you are on the floor pillow, sit in a loose "Indian Style" to promote balance and blood flow.

2. Close your eyes and begin to quiet your mind letting all of the thoughts in your head slip into the black void of your inner eye.

3. Breathe in through your nose. As you breathe in, focus on the sensation of the air going into your nose, but do not follow it past the end of your nose.

4. Exhale through your mouth and notice the feeling of the air as it passes over your lips. Concentrate on that feeling and do not follow the air outward with your thoughts.

5. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until all you notice is the feeling of your breath, then allow yourself to notice the sounds around you one by one, concentrating on just that sound before moving onto the next.

Tips & Warnings

• When you breathe, your stomach should expand on inhalation like a balloon. Do not neglect filling your lungs as well. Do not concentrate on just the expansion of your stomach. When you exhale your stomach should lead in pushing the air out and look like it has been sucked in.

• Meditative breathing can make you light headed if you are not used to practicing it. The breathing will increase the amount of air you take in and therefore oxygen. Once your body is used to a higher level of oxygen your overall mindset, health, and metabolism will improve. If you feel light headed, give yourself a moment to "equalize" before standing up.

• Always consult a doctor before beginning any meditation regimen to make sure you do not have any medical conditions that would be complicated by the breathing excercise.