The pracchardana vtdharanabhyam va pranasya yogic sutra explains the ideal process of retention through inhalation and exhalation. One can also achieve consciousness by brooding on the sensed time, and if this is attained one can sure think of becoming triumphant in the endeavour.

Pracchardana emitting, sending forth, discharging, expelling, exhalation
vidharanabhyam restraining, maintaining, supporting, executing
va or, an option, also the power of choosing correctly, selection, alternatively
pranasya of breath

Or, by maintaining the pensive state felt at the time of soft and steady exhalation and during passive retention after exhalation.

Another possibility of imbuing consciousness is the accomplishment of that tranquil state by withholding of the breath after exhalation.

One should inhale and exhale unhurriedly and pause, maintaining the retentivity for as long as is comfortable.