When I try and do meditation my breathing does not occur on its own or involuntarily.I have to consciously inhale and exhale which poses a distraction to me.What can I do so that my breathing happens unconsciously without me knowing about it as it happens when I am not meditating?
Hi Makar,
What exactly does your breathing distract you [I]from[/I]? In Vipassana meditation, you just have to be aware of your breath. Since you are very conscious of your breathing already, it seems like it would make meditation easier for you. Continue to be aware of your breath. It’s not a distraction.
You should not, however, attempt to [I]control[/I] your breath, such as unnaturally slowing the breath or holding the breath. Inhale and exhale a normal amount, even if you feel that you are doing it voluntarily. Begin to see yourself as the watcher of the breath, like you would watch a river flow without controlling it.
Hi Maker,
I have been meditating for many years and quite often (possibly due to doing so much yoga and conscious breathing) i often ‘breath consciously and influence my breath…’… and when i find myself doing it… i just smile to myself, try to relax, and sometimes my awareness broadens and my conscious effort with the breath just drops… other times it does not drop so easily.
But my advice to you would be ‘to relax’ when you notice this happening, and maybe broaden your awareness to your whole body… or the point between the eyebrows… or depending on the type of meditation you are practicing… you may come up with another aspect to focus on.
And in time your conscious effort with the breath will also be dropped.
Just in case you practice ashtanga yoga or ujjai breath… check that you are not doing this during your meditation practice… soften the throat, allow the glottis area to relax and widen… and allow the breath to move more freely.
And if you find you are still consciously breathing… then just accept it, and allow your awareness to rest on the breath.
And as Trinley mentioned… in time you will begin to be the watcher of the breath… rather than the controller. Easier said than done to just switch into this 
Best to relax and give it time, but not too much concern. The more concern you give it, the less likely one is to ‘drop the control/influence’ of the breath.
Best Wishes,
Dave