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. As with most things in life, there are optimal breathing techniques that will greatly benefit you. Take a deep breath right now and exhale. Did you notice if your body stretched up when you inhaled and slouched when you exhaled? Take one more deep breath but pay specific attention to how your body moves when you inhale and exhale.

Take another deep breath and as you inhale, let your belly expand as it fills with air and gently pull your belly button towards your spine as you exhale. 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. If you’re new to “breathing correctly” and if you take a deep breath and hold it, you’ll most likely feel dizzy or faint because your body’s receiving an influx of oxygen. 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!