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. And as simple as it seems, there are correct and incorrect ways to breath. Take a deep breath right now and exhale. Did you naturally stretch towards the ceiling as you inhaled and slouch when you exhaled? If you didn’t notice the movement of your body the first time, take another deep breath and be mindful of how your body moves.

As you inhale, conscioulsy fill your belly with air and allow it to expand outwards and as you exhale consciously pull your belly button towards your spine. 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. It’s normal to feel faint or dizzy if you take a deep breath and hold it because you’re receiving much more oxygen than you’re used to. 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. Regardless of what type of breathing exercise you use, deep breathing will help your entire meditation practice. 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!