08:03

Four Part Breathing Meditation

by Amy Pattee Colvin

Rated
4.6
Type
guided
Activity
Meditation
Suitable for
Everyone
Plays
1.6k

One benefit of settling your mind, being aware in the moment, and connecting with your inner wisdom is the ability to be more comfortable in your own skin. This ease with your essential nature leads to deeper self-appreciation. Can you look at yourself in the mirror, at any moment, with kindness and tenderness and say, “I am a good person,” and really believe it? Learning to authentically appreciate yourself in all circumstances is a skill that takes practice, courage, and diligence. This guided meditation guides us through a 4-part breath series. Essentially counting to four during each breath cycle (inhale for four, pause for four, exhale for four, pause for four) slows down our breathing. We bring our attention to the breath. We notice it. After you practice this for a while, instead of counting, repeat the phrase, "I am a good person" during each of the phases.

BreathingMeditationAwarenessSelf AppreciationEnergyKindnessTendernessIntentional BreathingDiaphragmatic BreathingAffirmationsGuided MeditationsMeridiansPosturesSelf Affirmations

Transcript

Hi,

I'm Amy Patti Colvin,

And this meditation is a fantastic tool that you can use any place,

Any time,

Once you've mastered the basics.

It's an opportunity for you to slow down,

Take a pause,

So that you're better able to respond to situations rather than reacting,

And it's a great way to help reset your brain when it's racing.

So go ahead and find a comfortable position.

You could be in a chair,

On a cushion,

Lying down.

If you're in a chair or on a cushion,

Tilt your pelvis just a little bit forward,

And imagine being lifted gently by the crown of your head.

This helps open the meridian lines along your spine,

Opening for that energy flow through the body,

And it helps your spine take your weight rather than the muscles,

And provides a sense of comfort and ease to the body.

And for the next few breaths,

Just allow the breath to flow as it naturally wishes.

As you either close your eyes,

Drop your gaze,

Whichever is more comfortable for you today.

Allow the muscles in your face to relax.

Allow your jaw to relax.

And bring that breath all the way down into the belly,

Allowing your diaphragm to expand and contract,

Allowing your abdominal muscles to be soft and relaxed.

And now what I'd like us to do is breathe with an intentional rhythm.

Inhale for a count of four,

And pause with that in-breath for a count of four.

Exhale for a count of four,

And pause again for a count of four.

So let's inhale for four,

Pause for four,

Exhale for four,

And pause for four.

And let's repeat that cycle again,

Inhaling for four,

Pausing for four,

Exhaling for four,

Pausing for four.

And keep going for the next minute or so in your own pace with that slow inhale for a count of four,

Pausing for four,

Exhaling for four,

Pausing for four.

And once you've gotten the hang of that slower breath rhythm,

You can release the counting if you prefer,

And simply focus on the breath as it flows in and flows out.

And as we sit with this quiet and slow cycle of breath,

In mind for yourself,

Silently repeat the following phrases on the inhalation and exhalation.

Inhaling,

Say,

I am a good person.

And exhale,

Saying,

I am a good person.

Exhale,

I am a good person.

Exhale,

I am a good person.

And continue with that slow,

Rhythmic breathing,

Repeating that phrase.

And then release the phrase,

And just simply sit with your breath as it ebbs and flows in this slow,

Rhythmic cycle.

Notice the sense of relaxation and calm that comes across and through your body as you breathe slowly and gently,

With intention.

And let's bring this meditation to a close.

And before we go,

Do notice what it feels like in your body,

Mind,

And heart to have just slowed down for a moment,

Breathing fully and deeply,

With intention and awareness.

And take this sense of well-being with you into the rest of your day.

I look forward to talking with you later.

Meet your Teacher

Amy Pattee ColvinSamish Island, USA

4.6 (104)

Recent Reviews

Becca

October 2, 2025

What a beautiful pause in my morning before I start the day. Same time and place tomorrow. Thank you.

Kristine

December 29, 2018

Great breathing exercises. I found them very calming. Thank you!

Annika

September 9, 2017

Very relaxing rhythmic breathing.

Denise

September 6, 2017

Definitely an affirmation you could do throughout the day in times of stress.

Jen

September 5, 2017

This is like hitting the refresh button. Namaste 🙏

Michael

September 4, 2017

Easy to follow. Helped slow my mind.

Nikki

September 3, 2017

Great breathing work on this one.

💕🌈Karen🦋🌺

September 3, 2017

Very relaxing and centering! Ahhhhhh🌈💕

Rick

September 3, 2017

A good, especially for beginners, meditation.

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© 2026 Amy Pattee Colvin. All rights reserved. All copyright in this work remains with the original creator. No part of this material may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

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