Meditation For Relaxation

3-Part Breath & Mantra Exercise for Relaxation
I taught this little 3-part exercise at my monthly Relax & Meditate class and it was so nice!

1. Long Deep Breath, Chest-to-Belly:
To begin, sit comfortably in a chair or relaxed in front of your altar. Notice your breath.
Then, lengthen the inhale and exhale. Breathe into your chest and notice the downward movement of your diaphragm. Notice your belly come out a bit at the end of your inhale. Exhale pubic bone to belly button. Notice the upward movement of energy on your exhale. Continue for 1-3 minutes, breathing chest to belly.

2. Breath of Fire
Inhale and allow the belly to extend out. Exhale quickly out of the nose, drawing the belly button up. Then, allow the inhale to come in naturally and exhale quickly again. Count on each exhale and stop at 30. When you're finished, let the breath return to a natural pace. Complete two more cycles of 30 counts and rest.

3. Chant Hu
Inhale and sing the mantra, Huuuuuuuuuuu.... as long as your breath will allow. Imagine yourself singing it from the center of your heart, Huuuuuuuuuu. Sing for 1-3 minutes.