BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality Meditation Three Part Breathing

One of the meditation techniques they taught at Kripalu was three part breathing. They said that they found the most filling form of breathing was "stomach breathing" which they also said was the way babies tend to breathe. I.e. it's our more natural form of breathing that some people then train themselves out of.

The easiest way to see this is to lay down on your back. Breathe in partially so your stomach inflates. That's part 1. Then breathe in more so your middle chest inflates. Then breathe in a last part so your upper ribs inflate. Then let it all out.

When a person focuses on their breath, and progresses in those three separate stages, it helps the breather focus, calm, and relax.

I've been practicing this since I got back and I do find it quite helpful. It gives me something concrete to focus on, and by focusing on that other issues tend to lose their grip. It also brings deep oxygen into me, which is good for overall health.

Has anyone else tried three part breathing?

I have, Lisa, and I can say it works wonders. I learned how to do this many years ago from a book I read by a Buddhist monk.

When using the steps you describe, it enables the lungs to stretch down and fill up more fully with oxygen. It is very relaxing and beneficial to the whole body and spirit.

I think that taking a deep cleansing breath is very useful at the beginning of the meditation practice.

Then during meditation switching to even in and out breathing without emphasis in either direction. Conscious rhythmic breathing calms the body and mind unit when upset or stressed, both emotionally and from physical stress.

It is one of the Integral Yoga approaches called Nadi Sudi. I have an article on this breathing here:

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art60356.asp

Yes. Practicing Three Part Breathing can bring peace, balance, and overall wellness to our life on many levels, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. I can practice it many times throughout day � even two or three breaths will have a positive effect!