In the blog category “Guided Meditations”, I will provide detailed explanations for all the guided meditation tracks that I will place in the Resources section of this website. These blog posts will be hyperlinked from the “Guided Meditations” page under “Resources” menu option where these meditation tracks in mp3 format will be placed for streaming or for downloading.
While performing mindfulness of breath meditation, we withdraw our attention from distracting thoughts and redirect it to incoming and outgoing breaths. Since our breath is a neutral object, we end up putting less energy into our default emotional states of restlessness, craving, aversion, etc. that drive those thoughts. Over time our mind becomes calmer and our emotional states become more balanced and positive.
A very helpful application of mindfulness of breath meditation is to induce relaxation in the body. While breathing, our exhalations relax the body whereas inhalations energize the body. During exhalations when we gently and consciously relax different parts of the body, we amplify the relaxation experience.
This guided meditation guides us to relax different parts of the body as we exhale. The mindfulness of breath anchors the mind and keeps it focused on the relaxation process. We just need to lie down comfortably and bring our attention to the breath. As we exhale, we feel the relaxing effect of the breath as it leaves the body and relax the body, part by part as guided in the meditation track, beginning at the top of the body and going down till we reach the feet. We then relax the whole body.
Within our normal breathing cycle, a “long breath” is the relatively long space between the end of an exhalation and start of the next inhalation. While performing this exercise, start to relax the body part at the start of exhalation and continue till the “long breath” portion is completed. It is very important to note that the breath should not be manipulated in any way. We should work with the breath as it comes in and goes out on its own.
Finally, please perform this technique in a safe area where you will not be disturbed nor will you disturb others. Do not do this while driving or operating heavy machinery.
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