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How To Use Your Breath For Concentration And Attention:
The simplest way to practice mindful breathing is to pay attention to each inhalation and exhalation as they occur. But wait, there so much more...
6 Steps To Use Your Breath For Concentration And Attention
Ideally, you'll be sitting or even lying down in a comfortable position while doing this. Open or closed eyes are fine, as is a soft gaze where you are not concentrating on anything in particular with your gaze.
Set aside a specific time each day to practice this exercise, but it can also be beneficial to do so when you're feeling anxious or stressed. Practicing mindful breathing on a regular basis may make it easier to do so when faced with challenging situations.
A deep inhale, followed by a hold of your breath, followed by a long, exhale through your mouth, can be helpful when you're trying to calm yourself down in a stressful situation (4 seconds).
It may be helpful to pay attention to your chest rising and falling or the sensation in your nostrils as you inhale and exhale.
As you do this, you may find that your thoughts or physical sensations cause your attention to wander. It's fine. Try to gently bring your attention back to your breath as soon as you become aware that this is happening.
How to Use Your Breath to Concentrate and Refocus Your Attention
1. Find a relaxed and comfortable position before you begin. If you prefer, you can sit on a chair or on the floor with an extra pillow. Keep your spine straight, but don't overtighten it. Place your arms wherever you feel most comfortable. Place your tongue on the roof of your mouth, if that's more comfortable for you.
2. Recognize and invite relaxation in your body. Relax and become curious about your body's sensations, touch, and connection to the floor or chair while seated here. Relax any areas of tightness or tension you may be experiencing. Breathe.
3. Pay attention to the beat of your own breathing. Your natural breath flow can be felt—in and out. There's nothing you need to do other than just breathe normally. Not too long, not too short, but just right. Breathe into your body and notice where you feel it. It's possible that it's in your tummy. In the chest, throat, or nostrils, for example.
Take a deep breath at a time and see if you can become aware of the sensations associated with it. Breaths come and go as quickly as they come and go. It's okay if you can't feel your breath in every part of your body. At different times of the day, we are more in tune with certain parts of our bodies than others.
4. It's possible that your mind wanders to unrelated topics. It's not a big deal if this happens. It's completely normal. Be aware that your thoughts have drifted. Think about the word "thinking" or "wandering" and softly utter it in your head to yourself. Gently bring your attention back to your breathing.
5. Stay here for five to seven minutes. Breathe in and out quietly. Once in a while, you'll lose yourself in your thoughts just gently return to your breath and come back to the present moment.
6. Notice your entire body, for a few more minutes. Let yourself relax even further and then, give yourself a pat on the back for completing today's meditation practice.
You are now aware of how regulating your breathing can help you concentrate, and you also have some strategies at your disposal that you can use the next time you need to increase your focus and attention.
MeditationLifeSkillsPodcast.com strives to present meditation concepts that connect east and west, tradition and science in a non-sectarian way, from multiple traditions, without promoting any particular technique or method.
One important principle I try to accomplish is to take complex ideas about meditation and the not-so-well understood meditation principles and help you understand how they can fit into your life.
To your success in meditation!
Don Weyant/Founder
MeditationLifeSkillsPodcast.com
NOTE: Listen to these meditation episodes as much as you want in a comfortable position, whether sitting or lying down. For best results, we strongly suggest listening with headphones.
***This work is not meant to replace medical or counseling guidance from a qualified practitioner. Please get professional care if you suffer from a physical or mental disease.
