Breath is Life-giving, Life-affirming, and Soothing to the Soul.
From the moment we are born, we breathe. If we do not, we do not live.
In the last 6 months, yes, 6 months, we have been faced with a virus that attacks are life-affirming birthright-to breathe.
During this time, for many of us, our livelihood has been decimated, shifted, or blown up! Yes, some people have prospered. Which aspects of the changes have experienced have been life-giving and which have been life-crushing?
Pause and think about it. Write it down if possible. Evaluate where you are in this moment and don’t forget to breathe while you do it.
What have you been doing to soothe your body, your mind, and your soul?
Again, jot this down if possible. Somethings I have done-I added a new walking routine into my morning, started swimming a few times a week (water is very soothing to my soul) and found new-to-me ways to connect with those I care about. In my attempt to support the USPS, I have gotten into letter writing.
If you’re not crazy about writing, find another outlet-drawing, singing, whatever.
Now let’s get back to breathing.
You may wonder why I diverged; it’s because no matter what we do, we always have to breathe. When we become aware of our breathing, it changes the whole experience of what we are doing—no matter what it is.
The invitation is to breathe. Focus on your breath no matter what you are doing. Getting ready to take a bite of your sandwich. Stop. Take a breath. Getting ready to send an email. Stop. Take a breath.
Many times, clients ask me what is the best type of breathing to do. There are many types of yogic breaths. I say, start simply. Focus on your breath moving in and out of your body. If you’re feeling a bit anxious, focus more on the exhale. If you’re feeling a bit sluggish, focus on your inhale.
The best type of breathing is the one that works for you and the one that you are willing to do regularly. A little focused breathing each day goes a long way.
I’ve included a 3-minute audio for you to download if you need some assistance with developing a breathing practice. Listen to each at the same time each day for a week, and see how you feel. Keep track in a journal or a planner so you can look back on any changes that occur.
The breath keeps us a live by bringing oxygen to our cells. It’s also intimately connected to our nervous system and can change how we feel instantly.
Check it out and let me know how it goes.
Click here for 3 Minute Audio.
Keep breathing!
