A Breathing Series: Calm Over-Breathing & Restore Balance

In this practice,

We're going to explore whichever side of the breath,

Meaning either the inhale or the exhale,

Feels more restricted to you.

So just take a few moments now just to drop into your body to settle and to breathe naturally.

And I just want you to notice,

Is there one part of your breath,

Either your inhale or your exhale,

That feels perhaps tighter or more restricted or you don't have access as much to its fullness?

So take a moment to feel whether that's your inhale or your exhale.

And if you can't tell or both feel equally restricted,

Just pick one to work on today.

Get yourself comfortable in a seat or lying down and take a couple of full,

Deep cleansing breaths.

Begin to breathe naturally through the nose or mouth and simply observe.

Now begin to level out the breath.

So both the inhale and the exhale are of even length.

Just breathe like this for a few rounds of breath.

Now,

Begin to extend either the inhale or the exhale.

Whichever feels more restricted.

Do this slowly over the next couple of minutes.

So let's say you are breathing in and out for the count of three and you feel that your inhale is the most restricted.

Just gradually take the inhale to the count of four and then to five,

To six.

And however far you can take it while still being able to breathe well.

And when you have reached the maximum capacity for you,

Just stay with that pattern of breathing for the next couple of minutes.

So either your inhale or your exhale will be quite a bit longer than the other.

Now let go of this pattern of breathing and come back to your normal breath.

And simply allow yourself to observe.