With this breathing pattern, you choose a particular count for each of the four phases of the breath. The number for your count must obviously be lower than the highest numbers in the threefold breath, as the period of time in complete exhale is usually not comfortable for as long as time spent in full inhale. This breathing pattern is quite relaxing and centering, in my experience.
Start with a reasonable count such as four or six: inhale to that count, hold the full inhale for that count, exhale to that count, hold the full exhale to that count. Slowly increase the number of the count as is comfortable for you. This is not a marathon, it should be relaxing and peaceful.
After daily practice for a few weeks, how does this compare to the other breathing patterns in terms of subjective experience during and after the practice?
I will try this, it sounds like an interesting technique!
Whenever I find myself in a moment of stress or emergency, I try to use this technique… even if it’s only for 1 minute. This kind of breathing puts me on an even keel and helps me clear my head so I can face anything without being reactionary or overly emotional.
This is a great technique I’d recommend to anyone.
I’ve done a similar mediation to that from Osho’s ‘orange book’……Pretty effective I thought, but difficult!
best
Often the difficulty in this practice results from choosing too long a count. A certain breath count may work quite comfortably for the inhale, hold, and exhale but then become difficult during the hold after the exhale. Shorten the count a bit and see if works more smoothly for you.
Fourfold and threefold breathing is quite interesting to do. I feel very relaxed after doing this meditation. My nerves are very energetic now. Can you tell any other exercise like this.
Brainhealthandpuzzles – brain meditation