Mindfulness Meditation Skill #1 – Deep Breathing

In my effort to document the mindfulness meditation class I’m taking, I introduce skill #1, something easy: Deep breathing.

I know, you think you know how to breathe. In fact, my guess is you’re probably doing it right now (at least I hope you are). Nevertheless, many people don’t know how to deep breathe and this is a problem during mindfulness meditation. Many people, especially women, shallow breathe and this isn’t the best way to nourish your body. Some people even go so far as to occasionally hold their breath, especially when anxious.

Shallow Breathing vs. Deep Breathing

Shallow breathing comes from the chest while deep breathing comes from the belly. (I know all about this because I was a trained signer when I was younger and you have to deep breathe in order to project and hold notes properly.) Women, often, don’t like to deep breathe because they’re scared that breathing from their belly will make them look fat. (Really.)

How to Know if You Deep Breathe or Shallow Breathe

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