This, however, is not the correct idea.

The inhalation is continuous, the entire chest cavity from the lowered diaphragm to the highest point of the chest in the region of the collar-bone, being expanded with a uniform movement.

Avoid a jerky series of inhalations, and strive to attain a steady continuous action.

Practice will soon overcome the tendency to divide the inhalation into three movements, and will result in a uniform continuous breath.

You will be able to complete the inhalation in a couple of seconds after a little practice.
(2) Retain the breath a few seconds.
(3) Exhale quite slowly, holding the chest in a firm position, and having the abdomen in a little and lifting it upward slowly as the air leaves the lungs.