do breathing techniques help or hinder meditation?

[The_Rig]

so far while i meditate I've been breathing in "1" then breathe out "2". i do it so much that i no longer count with my mouth. i just notice it happen. back and forth, back and forth until my time is up. i understand meditation is about just being. but does having just concentration on noticing my breathing the whole time hurt my meditation?

[Lento]

The answer is relative to the outcome(s) you're looking for. What are you practising meditation to achieve?