Or apparently spell meditate correctly.

(Fixed)

Have you tried following/copying someone else's breathing, or a guided meditation?

I think instead of trying to meditate, I just need to spend the time focusing on my breathing. I found some diaphragmatic breathing videos, I think the technique is called pranayama, I will spend time every day working on this.

Try to focus on something. Like sports: Darts, curling.. etc.. just first, try to concentrate.

I think focusing itself is a misconception when you relate it to meditation. Meditation helps you relax. If you are having some breathing problems, i would suggest going to some parks, being close to the nature and just enjoy. Don't meditate with a purpose, it will never help you rather enjoy it like a dance.

Hi, I too am a beginner in meditation, and would like to ask those who have mastered the arts to share how you have acquired the concentration for a prolonged period of time. Also, i'd like to ask on whether meditation has helped you achieve mindfulness and how did it affect your outlook of life? your replies are much appreciated. Thanks!

Originally Posted by ThadSteven

I want to use meditation to overcome some breathing problems I have (specifically, hyperventilation, or overbreathing). The problem is that focusing on the breathe exacerbates my breathing problems. Can anyone recommend another thing I can focus on?

Have you tried a candle that uses a battery but imitates a lit candle (you said you had breathing issues, I would suggest a real candle but some are bothered by smoke produced by candles, incense and cones) and you can then concentrate on the flicker telling yourself to breathe in and out focusing your mind and vision on the flickering. Some find this kind of focus and meditation calming because it gives their eyes and mind something to focus on and their breathing follows as they relax. Another similar method is soothing music in noise canceling headphones or a table top fountain that allows you to watch the water follow the path of the rocks that make up the fountain. A lava lamp is useful with it's wonderful color changes and pattern of the liquid inside the lamp. These are but a few suggestions.

I think you are right. This is the key:

Some find this kind of focus and meditation calming because it gives their eyes and mind something to focus on and their breathing follows as they relax.

When instead of just focusing on breath only, we concentrate on our eye, mind or any other external action (along with the breath), the breathing pattern becomes quite rhythmic and uniform. Probably it's because, in the ultimate analysis, breathing is just one part of our cosmic being. When other parts come in harmony, the breathing becomes calm and uniform.

Originally Posted by spongebob

Hi, I too am a beginner in meditation, and would like to ask those who have mastered the arts to share how you have acquired the concentration for a prolonged period of time. Also, i'd like to ask on whether meditation has helped you achieve mindfulness and how did it affect your outlook of life? your replies are much appreciated. Thanks!

May sound out there but actually, daydreaming is a form of meditation because it removes yourself from the present and focuses your mind on something else. Some call it envisioning and some call it daydreaming, but I think it means the same thing. When you envision or day dream, your breathing slows down and you relax as you view the "movie" within your mind. We're probably the only species of animal on earth that has this talent of daydreaming or meditating for that matter.