This ratio breath will create balance and create calm focus in the mind and body. This breath has a balanced ratio and can be practiced for any number of counts that feel right for you – 3:3:3  or 5:5:5, for example. Students are typically comfortable starting at four or five. The three parts are the inhalation, the retention of breath and the exhalation.

• Sit comfortably with the spine long.
• Begin long, deep breaths.
• Inhale for the count of five.
• Hold the breath for the count of five.
• Exhale slowly for the count of five.
• Continue for 3 to 5 minutes