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Today, I am going to explain What is Breath Meditation and How to Practice It? This is a very simple meditation, and it is easy to do. It will be a guided meditation.
All you have to do read this article, and understand what is breath meditation all about. Then play the video, listen and follow my guidance.
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Watch: What is Breath Meditation and How to Practice It?
If you prefer to watch about this blog post, below is a video for your viewing pleasure. Please remember to subscribe to the channel, too.
What is Breath Meditation?
As the name of this type of meditation suggests, Breath Meditation or Breathing Meditation is the focus of your breath or breathing. In this meditation technique, the goal is to focus on only one object in the mind. In this case, it is the breath.
The best way is to use your natural breathing process. You can either follow it by the movement of your abdomen, or by following the feeling of the air going in and out of your nostrils.
In the method where you follow the movement of your abdomen, you are actually feeling the movement of your abdomen going outwards as your breathe in, and inwards as you breathe out. You may find this a little difficult as the coverage is more diffused.
As such, I suggest following the air going in and out of your nostrils. This is because this method is more focused. And I have discovered that as you go deeper into meditation, your breathing will become shallower. And you may have to concentrate harder. This is very good!
As you practice, you will find happiness, joy, bliss, calm and tranquility. At the final stage of your practice, you will become still and silent with only one object in mind – the breath. At this final state of meditation, you will find you have more awareness than at the start of meditation.
How to Do Breathing Meditation?
I have recorded a video where I guide you on How to Do Breathing Meditation. It can help you learn how to practice breath meditation. Also, you can play the video when you need to be guided on how to do this type of meditation.
Go to the video above, watch it, and follow the guidance.
Breath Meditation
For those who like to read about the steps to do breathing meditation, I have written them down as follows:
Notes: Do not allow this meditation practice to be reduced to a routine chore. Take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy this time. Embrace it! This is time for your self. It is a chance to fully rest and rejuvenate your entire being.
1. Begin your breath meditation practice by sitting comfortably.
2. You can either sit comfortably on a chair or on a cushion in a semi lotus position.
For a beginner, you might like to read my blog post about how to create the ideal conditions for your meditation practice.
3. Place your open right hand on top of your open left hand.
4. Let your left and right thumbs lightly touch each other.
5. Imagine White Light coming down from the heavens, surrounding you, and protecting you.
Notes: The White Light is from the divine source. The divine source is the divine being whom you choose to believe in.
6. Take a deep breath in through your nostrils. Take as much air into your lungs as possible. Then slowly exhale. Focus on the air going in and out your nostrils.
7. Take another deep breath in through your nostrils. Take as much air into your lungs as possible. Then slowly exhale. Focus on the air going in and out your nostrils.
8. Once more, take another deep breath in through your nostrils. Take as much air into your lungs as possible. Then slowly exhale. Focus on the air going in and out your nostrils.
Notes: This will totally relax your body. It is a signal to your body that you are ready to relax. Do not allow thoughts of the day’s activities or concerns enter your mind. Brush away problems at the office, home or with your relationships, etc. Do not let these thoughts intrude your precious meditation time.
9. Now, close your mouth. In your mouth, press your tongue gently against the hard palate that is just behind the row of front teeth at your upper jaw.
10. If you have not done so by now, then gently close your eyes. Look at the back of your eyelids.
11. By now, you should be breathing as you normally would. Keep breathing naturally.
12. Next, we will start feeling the sensations of the body. This is an inward journey. It is done so that the mind does not get distracted and wander externally.
13. Let’s start with your forehead. Take a deep breath in. As you exhale, release any tension there.
Notes: Stop and savor the sensations as you feel each part of your body.
14. Next, your eyes. Take a deep breath in. As you exhale, release any tension there.
15. Next, your nose. Take a deep breath in. As you exhale, release any tension there.
16. Next, your lips. Take a deep breath in. As you exhale, release any tension there.
17. Next, your cheeks. Take a deep breath in. As you exhale, release any tension there.
18. Next, your neck and shoulders. Take a deep breath in. As you exhale, release any tension there.
19. Next, your arms. Take a deep breath in. As you exhale, release any tension there.
20. Next, your upper chest. Take a deep breath in. As you exhale, release any tension there.
21. Next, your lower chest. Take a deep breath in. As you exhale, release any tension there.
22. Next, your hips. Take a deep breath in. As you exhale, release any tension there.
23. Next, your legs. Take a deep breath in. As you exhale, release any tension there.
Notes: Spend a few minutes going through this process of feeling the sensations throughout your body. Do not hurry. Take your time. This process is not only to relax your muscles. It is also to help you center your self.
Meditation Tip: When you are adept at meditation, you will ground and center more quickly. At this stage, you do not need to go through the long process mentioned above. You will know when you are able to settle down inwardly.
24. With your entire body now relaxed, continue to breathe naturally. Do the entire breathing cycle naturally.
Notes: You can feel the air at the opening of your nostrils, or at your upper lip. Breathe naturally. There is no need to control your breathing. Just feel the air going in and out.
25. Focus on one breathing cycle at a time.
26. Continue focusing and observing your breath until the end of the meditation session.
This meditation will continue for another 10 to 15 minutes of silence.
And now, enjoy your meditation in silence.
Continue breathing naturally.
Namaste
Suggestion:
Play the above Guided Breath Meditation video.
Just listen as I guide you how to do breathing meditation. It is easy.
Go to Guided Breath Meditation now.
How to Focus on Your Breath?
Our minds are filled with thoughts. When we are faced with problems, these will be the first thoughts in our minds. If we do not have any pressing concerns, memories of the past 24 hours or past days will emerge. Our minds are also constantly making plans on what to do in the near or distant future. If nothing else, random associative thoughts may take place as a continuous revelry.
So how do you manage all these thoughts, and focus on your breath?
First, do not get upset that thoughts constantly emerge in your mind. Remember, the function of your brain is to think. So, it is just doing its job.
Simply, note that a thought has appeared. And without judgement, preferably with lots of love, gently brush the thought aside.
It is like a mother walking with a toddler on a pavement. And alongside the pavement is a very busy road with many vehicles driving along it. The danger is when the toddler plays and goes on the road. It could mean grave injury or even death.
A mother’s love and duty would be to repeatedly pull the child back from the road to the pavement. The mother does not get upset with the child. She loves the child, and the child is young and does not know better.
So, just like the mother. Whenever your concentration is distracted by a thought, simply and lovingly bring your focus back on the breath. Do not get upset. Do not judge.
What Happens As You Practice Breath Meditation?
As you practice Breath Meditation, as you keep practicing to brush away thoughts and focus on your breath, there will come a time when your thoughts will become less. And you can stay with your focus on your breath for a longer time.
Gradually, stillness and silence will start to appear. The stillness will be your body being still as well as your thoughts. You will find that your thoughts will no longer travel anywhere, and no more thoughts emerge. Your attention is only with the breath.
This is true stillness.
You will also discover that in silence, you do not have anymore mental chatter. The silence is internal. Any sound or activity that is outside of you will not bother you anymore at this stage of progress.
With this internal silence and stillness, your awareness becomes greater and sharper. You can be aware of the slightest movement or noise, and you will not be affected or bothered by it. Your focus is still at the breath.
Eventually your focus becomes more one-pointed. You eventually find happiness, joy, bliss, calmness and tranquility. You may enjoy meditation so much that you look forward to it. This is a good sign.
At some point of time, when you have achieved this perfect calm and bliss, you may like to consider practicing Insight Meditation. This form of meditation can bring you wisdom and insights.
What is Breath Meditation and How to Practice It?
Timotheus Final Thoughts
Flowing Love Meditation
Well done. You have completed your breath meditation practice. At this point, I have a few notes to share with you.
What is the White Light?
The White Light, mentioned above, is the Divine Love energy from the divine source. The divine source is the divine being or entity whom you choose to believe in.
Why 3 Deep Breaths?
I usually do 3 deep breaths as mentioned in the above steps 6 to 8. And I find I am usually relaxed by the third deep breath.
If you need, you can do a few more. Do what suits you.
How Long Should You Meditate?
Try to meditate for at least 10 minutes. If you can do it for 15, 20, 30 or even 60 minutes, it is better. Take your time to slowly increase the amount of time you spend on meditation.
Do come back daily to practice this breath meditation. You will reap many benefits with your meditation practice.
And if you have any questions about What is Breath Meditation and How to Practice It? Please leave your questions in the comments section. I will be happy to answer and help you.
I will be sharing more about spiritual experiences, meditation and meditation related topics in future videos and blog posts. Remember to join the Flowing Love Meditation community to be updated whenever I publish a new video or blog post.
I wish you good health, wealth and love.
Timotheus
Flowing Love Meditation for Inner Peace and Well-Being
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My name is Timotheus Lee. I share about meditation, healing, good health, wellness, spiritual topics, etc. to help the world and people to be healthy and happy. For inner peace and wellness. To learn more about him, and Flowing Love Meditation, Click Here.
Another great post on meditation. These practical steps are things I often recommend to my clients to help with mindfulness and clearing their minds, and is well researched as something that can help in managing many mental health issues. Your right that it does take a lot of practice, but if you are willing to keep at it then you do see the benefits!
Thanks Zak. And thank you for the testimony that Breath Meditation works to help people. I hope more people will find my website and these pages on meditation. And it will help them, too.
Very details explanation, will follow the instruction to practice, thanks! 🙂
You’re welcome, Cynthia. Please do watch the Guided Breath Meditation Video. It can help you with your practice.
Great Meditation – I will Incorporate it into My Practise 🙂
Awesome, Rique. Please do watch the Guided Breath Meditation Video. It can help you with your practice.
This is a very well written explanation of how to do breath meditation with valuable insight into how regular practice can lead to increased silence of the mind and body. I’m a therapist and often refer clients to do meditations, especially those who are experiencing either depression or anxiety as the thoughts they experience are taking them away from their present, so I’ve found when they practice meditation it helps with this process of managing their thoughts. You’re right though, it takes regular practice. Thanks heaps for a well written explanation and guide on breath meditation. I shall bookmark and refer for clients.
Thanks so much, Kat! For bookmarking this page, and referring to your clients. I truly hope the articles here on this website will help many people.
I have friends who had depression, too. And their condition has been alleviated after attending my meditation sessions. This is why I decided to share this online.
Yes, this is not a one time healing. There needs to be regular practice. This is why I created the Guided Breath Meditation Video. So that people can playback any time and enjoy the meditation.
Thank you so much for posting this breath meditation. I read through your article and thought I would try it, so I got set up and hit play on the video. By following your video and listening to your voice as I took my breaths I found myself starting to relax and felt a calm come over my entire body, for me this is a good thing, as many people, I live a fairly stressful life. I think by incorporating this breath meditation into my life it will help me to find those times to relax and have those moments of peace. Is this something you should do each morning before starting the day or is it better to do at night before going to bed?
You’re welcome, Dena. I am very happy and grateful that you enjoyed the article, and have practiced with the Guided Breath Meditation Video.
And thank you for the feedback on your meditation experience. Awesome!
It is good to practice Breath Meditation every morning before start of the day and at night before bedtime. I have shared more information about how to practice in What is Meditation article. See the How to Practice Meditation section. 🙂
What a great article! I’ve always been interested in meditation but didn’t know about this technique. I’ll certainly give it a go.
Happy to hear that, Lynn. I am sure you will enjoy the Breath Meditation. Please do use the Guided Breath Meditation Video to help you learn the steps first.
Wishing you love, light and abundance. 🙂
I think that one of the virtues of Breath Meditation is that one can learn the basic meditation technique to defuse the everyday stress level, and that in itself would be a big accomplishment;however, one can go on to learn how to master fear, and control pain—this is huge when it comes to people suffering from anxiety caused by daily pain. With daily practice I can see how these techniques can help the body heal. Your post does an excellent job on showing hoe people can practice Breath Meditation. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome, Thabo. I am very happy that this article is helping many people.
You are right that the Breath Meditation can help to relieve stress, master fear and manage pain. It is very useful for that and many other benefits. Many people will find their lives improving by practicing this meditation.
And to help them practice, the Guided Breath Meditation Video can be of use. 🙂