While often considered a method of relaxation, smoking is not traditionally considered an act of meditation. However, many meditations share a core principle that has a lot in common with the way one smokes – and it’s all about the breath.

The rhythm of smoking is mostly universal – deep breath in, pause, long slow exhale out. A novice may expel the smoke quickly and violently, perhaps erupting into a coughing fit, but the seasoned smoker has gained control over the momentum of their breath on the exhale.

Similarly, someone experienced with meditative breathing will practice in a way that closely mirrors this pattern. In fact, one could go so far as to say that smokers have a head start in learning and successfully practicing the art of pranayama, or meditative breathing. This is good news as pranayama is an excellent way to improve one’s physical and mental health.

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