Expert: Suzanne Rose Lubkowski - 1/10/2012

Question
Greetings,

I practice regular meditation, but I've always struggled with diaphragmatic breathing. I've read a variety of inconsistent explanations ranging from breathing solely the belly to keeping both the chest and belly still while breathing. What's your take on the technique? And how can I tell if I'm properly breathing with the diaphragm? Thanks in advance.

Answer
Hi Bob, Kudos to you for practicing regular meditation.  My personal philosophy is that meditation should not be a 'struggle.'  

I believe that meditation should be a practice to bring awareness of our inner world and allow the Spirit to move in and through us.  

So with that said, I have never gotten into 'diaphragmatic breathing.'  My thoughts to you are to use your meditation times to focus on the heart.  I believe that the inner knowing (the Kingdom of God) is within us and it is in the chamber of the heart.  When we integrate the heart and mind, it brings the focus to the heart and the mind's role is to follow it.  

I also have been guided to the understanding that the most important part is to ground our energy in this time of change and transformation on the planet.  

Those are my two processes that I work with now that I teach my clients and use myself which I feel will support us individually and as a collective humanity evolving into our spirituality and knowing.  

Hope this is helpful even though I know I didn't specifically answer your question.   If that is important and you find valuable, I am sure there are teachers and guides that can assist you with diaphragmatic breathing.  If I can be of any further assistance, you can visit me at www.empoweringserenity.com.   

Warm Regards,   Suzanne