Correct, controlled breathing is very important in meditation. When we breathe calmly and consciously, tranquility enters into our mind and body, helping us to relax and be still. The rhythm of our breathing is akin to little waves lapping the seashore — a gentle ebb and flow. Conscious breathing also helps us to internalise ourselves. With each incoming breathe we can feel that we are drawing our awareness down into our heart centre where our spiritual propensities abide in abundant measure — a treasure trove waiting to be discovered.

This week Sri Chinmoy offers some simple yet effective exercises to develop correct breathing technique for meditation:

Proper breathing is very important in meditation. When breathing, try to breathe in as slowly and quietly as possible, so that if somebody placed a tiny thread in front of your nose it would not move at all. And when you breathe out, try to breathe out even more slowly than when you breathed in. If possible, leave a short pause between the end of your first exhalation and the beginning of your second inhalation. If you can, hold your breath for a few seconds. But if it is difficult, do not do it. Never do anything that will harm your organs or respiratory system. (Source: Meditation: Man-Perfection In God-Satisfaction)

I breathe out
Oldness-despair.
I breathe in
Newness-hope.
– Sri Chinmoy