Breatharian Meditation: A Guide To Breath And Energy

Breatharian meditations are based on the concept of breatharianism, or living from prana, chi, light, love, or breath without consuming material food. While there is a dearth of information on breatharianism, there are a few public breatharians and breatharian teachers, such as Jasmuheen and Elitom Ben Yisrael, who have shared their knowledge through books and workshops.

Breath meditation is a simple way to relieve stress and cultivate mindfulness. It involves focusing your attention on your breath, observing the natural sensations of inhalation and exhalation without trying to control it. This practice can be done in a comfortable position, either sitting, standing, or walking, and can be paired with various breathing techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing or belly breathing.

Breath work and meditation are interconnected, as meditation requires breath control, but they can also be practised independently to cultivate mindfulness.

Find a quiet, distraction-free space

To meditate, it is important to find a quiet, distraction-free space. This will help you to focus on your breath without being disturbed.

When choosing a space to meditate, opt for a place without loud noises or noticeable odours that might distract you. Avoid spaces with excessive decoration or bright colours that might draw your attention. You could choose a space indoors, which is less likely to have distracting sounds, or you could meditate outside if you prefer fresh air and there is some distance from potential disruptions such as cars or other people.

Once you have found your quiet space, it is important to make sure you won't be disturbed. Turn off or silence your phone and, if there are other people around, let them know that you are meditating and would like to be left alone. If you have pets, put them in another room so they don't distract you.

Now you have found your quiet, distraction-free space, you can begin to prepare for your meditation practice.

Assume a comfortable position

When preparing for breatharian meditation, it is important to find a comfortable position. This can be done by sitting on a chair, cushion, or bench, or even lying down. The most important thing is to keep your back straight. If you are sitting on the floor, you can try the lotus position by placing your left foot under your right thigh and your right foot layered over your left ankle. This can be switched after some time to improve comfort.

If you are sitting on a chair, make sure your feet are flat on the ground. You can also try sitting on a zafu or zabuton, which are small floor pillows or padded mats that can help you prop yourself up.

Once you have found a comfortable position, you can begin to focus on your breath.

Focus on the breath

Breathwork is the foundation of stress management and can trigger relaxation responses in the body. Breatharianism is a spiritual concept that claims humans can survive without food and, in extreme cases, water. Instead, they believe they can obtain all the necessary nutrients and substances to sustain themselves through breathing, consuming sunlight, air, and "prana".

Prana is derived from the Sanskrit word for "breath" or "life force". It is a subtle, unmeasurable "energy" that is similar to other mystical vital forces such as Chi (Qi) in Chinese medicine and martial arts.

Breatharianism is considered extremely dangerous and has no scientific basis. However, breathwork encompasses a range of breathing exercises designed to enhance physical, spiritual, and mental health.

• Find a quiet, peaceful spot away from distractions and a soft surface to sit on, such as a yoga mat or plush carpet.
• Sit in a comfortable position that allows you to keep your back straight, such as on a small floor pillow or in a chair.
• Time your breaths by exhaling slowly and then inhaling through your nose until your lungs feel full. Try to exhale for the same amount of time. This will help prevent other thoughts from entering your mind.
• Focus on the curve of your breath. Try to slow down your breathing by adding a 2-second pause between inhaling and exhaling.
• Pay attention to how your body reacts to your breathing. Notice the movement of your diaphragm, throat muscles, and shoulders as you inhale and exhale.
• If your mind wanders, gently bring your focus back to your breath. Repeat a word or phrase like "breathe" to help you stay focused.

Remember, the key to successful breathwork is to start slow and work your way up. You can condition your nervous system and improve your mental and physical health by practising breathing techniques regularly.

Be kind to your wandering mind

It is completely normal for your mind to wander during meditation. In fact, it is estimated that we have between 60,000 and 80,000 thoughts a day, so deliberately deactivating our thought process is not easy. Meditation teaches us not to cling to our thoughts and not to run away with them. It is about letting thoughts come and go without letting ourselves get carried away by the story or emotions they may bring up.

Focus on Your Breath

Breathing exercises are a good way to keep the mind centred. They also help the body relax. Try to focus on the pace and depth of your inhalation and exhalation. This will not only help prevent distraction but also improve your breathing. You can also try counting your inhalations and exhalations. For example, count from one to a hundred. If you lose count, don't worry. Be kind to yourself and start over.

Draw or Imagine Shapes

Try drawing a triangle or square with your imagination while you do your breathing exercises. You could also focus on the shape of an object close to you, such as a candle flame.

Practice Guided Meditation

Guided meditation can help you focus your mind on what is being said, rather than letting it wander. There are many types of guided meditations available for free on the internet, so you can explore and find one that you enjoy.

Accept Your Thoughts

Instead of trying to push your thoughts away, welcome them. Trying not to think about something will only make you think about it more. If you don't like the thoughts you're having, place them into a pleasant image in your mind. For example, imagine that your thoughts are clouds passing through the sky, or branches flowing in a river.

Write Down Your Thoughts

If you have a lot on your mind, it might be helpful to write down your thoughts before your meditation session. This way, you can avoid obsessing over them and will be able to relax more easily.

Meditate Regularly

Creating a meditation routine will help your brain know what to expect and prepare for it. Meditating at the same time and place every day will make you feel more comfortable and help quiet your mind.

Remember, it is important to be gentle and kind to your wandering mind. See the repeated wanderings of your mind as opportunities to bring patience and gentle curiosity to your meditation practice.

Practice regularly

To practice breatharian meditation regularly, it is important to find a quiet and comfortable space where you can sit or lie down. You can use a chair, meditation cushion, bench, or floor, ensuring your back is straight. Close your eyes or keep them half-open, gazing slightly downwards, and try to maintain this position for at least 10 minutes. You can also try different breathing techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing or alternate-nostril breathing, to enhance your practice.

• Find a quiet and comfortable space: Create a peaceful environment, free from loud noises, strong odors, and excessive decorations that may distract you. You can choose an indoor or outdoor space, whichever you find more calming.
• Get into a comfortable position: Sit on a chair or cushion, or lie down on your back. Ensure your back is straight to promote better breathing.
• Remove distractions: Turn off or silence any electronic devices, and inform others that you need some private time for meditation.
• Focus on your breath: Pay attention to your inhalation and exhalation. You can try different breathing techniques, such as deep and controlled breathing or slow, diaphragmatic breathing. Count your inhalations and exhalations to help you focus.
• Be mindful of your body: Notice the sensations in your body as you breathe. Feel your diaphragm, throat muscles, and shoulders move with each breath. You can also focus on the relaxed parts of your body, such as your hands and arms.
• Practice regularly: Consistency is key. Try to meditate at the same time every day, starting with 10 minutes and gradually increasing the duration. You can also practice whenever you feel stressed or anxious.

Remember, meditation is a skill that improves with practice. By regularly practicing breatharian meditation, you will train your mind to focus and relax, leading to reduced stress and improved overall well-being.

Frequently asked questions