Your entire being changes from minute to minute; superimposing any count based on a teacher’s decision is neither as good nor as safe as it should be (albeit easier for the teacher.) I’m a maverick on this one so you make your own choice.
Having said that, this exercise is one of my exceptions because the count itself becomes the focal point of your meditation. The count has nothing to do with timing the breathing. The length of each breath remains natural and comfortable.
Remember, one complete breath cycle is: one inhalation, a natural pause, one exhalation, and a natural pause. For Breath Counting I would suggest that you silently count each EMPTY PAUSE. Count “one” through “ten” and then begin at “one” again. Continue for as long as you can stay focused. Breath Counting is not a contest. Neither is it a measure of your progress. It is an exercise to help you find your center.
Remember that we are counting each natural pause at the end of each exhalation.
Be well. Breathe beautifully.
