There are as many different meditation techniques as there are gurus in India – and you should feel free to adopt or reject any of the suggestions. However, whatever type of meditation you eventually choose to take up, correct breathing and posture are very important.
If you only learn two things from this site, let it be these. They should eventually become so natural to you that you no longer think about them. Your natural posture and breathing will also improve.
For many of us, controlled breathing provides the easiest gateway into a meditative state. By concentrating on your breath, you can focus inwards into your body and block out the outside world.
Life Energy
When you inhale you are breathing in fresh energy. It’s good to start a meditation session by focusing on replacing all the air in your lungs, from top to bottom.
With practice, your breathing may become very light once you are into the meditation. According to one study of a Tibetan master of meditation, meditating resulted in needing less oxygen than normal.
Breath Basics
There are a few simple rules to remember about breathing during meditation.
- Don’t forget to breathe. That sounds pretty obvious, but it’s a natural instinct for some people to hold their breath when concentrating. Observe your own breathing and see if you do this.
- Breathe through your nose unless directed otherwise.
- Start full. To begin with, breathe right down into the bottom of your lungs. You may get a head rush from the extra oxygenation, but this will pass as your breathing becomes slow and steady.
- Easy does it. Keep if slow and steady at first. Then as your body relaxes allow your breathing to become more
- Don’t gasp for air. As you get into the meditation your breathing should become more gentle and rhythmic. During deep meditation it should be almost imperceptible, just a delicate rising and falling.