Magnolia Tree Gardening Blog

Using a breathing meditation technique is probably the easiest meditation technique that you can learn. You're breathing at this moment, so all you need to learn is how to notice and focus on your breathing.

Start your breathing meditation in a quiet (maybe even tranquil) place. If at all possible, make sure that you won't be disturbed. Whilst it's not the end of the world, it's frustrating to be interrupted whilst you're learning something new.

It could be a spare room in your house. Or a tranquil park or garden near your home or place of work. Anywhere that's reasonably quiet. Once you're comfortable with doing breathing meditations, you will find that even the "quiet place" isn't actually necessary. With practice, you will find you can relax absolutely anywhere, whenever you want.

You can stand up or sit down whilst you practice breathing meditation. Unless the method you've chosen dictates otherwise, it's your choice.

At the start, simply notice each breath as you breathe in and out. Are your breaths shallow, regular or really deep?

Next, actually focus on your breathing. Consciously breathe in and gradually fill your lungs. If you're comfortable doing so, hold the air in your lungs for a second or two. Finally, breathe out again. Emptying your lungs of as much air as you feel OK doing.

Repeat the process five or more times. As you progress, there's a good chance that your breathing will get deeper. You may also begin to feel more relaxed.

One of the best things about using a breathing meditation is that a simple technique like the one above doesn't take very long. And if you choose it to be, those people around you don't need to know you are meditating. You can perform a breathing meditation almost anywhere.

Well done! You’ve just performed your first breathing meditation..

You can discover more about breathing meditation techniques here.