As long as you have a heartbeat in this moment, you are breathing. Thanks autonomic nervous system!
Our breath is with us in each moment. But how often do you pause to actually notice your breath?
If you are like me, not often enough.
When I was five or so, I remember lying in bed. My mother was trying to put me too sleep, yet I was feeling frustration and agitation in my body. So much so I would clench my fists and shake my arms. My face turned red with tension. I didn’t have words for my experience, but I felt the energy stir inside like a wind storm.
I would hear my mother say to me, “Just breathe.” This was her attempt to calm me down from my hijacked experience. And it would always work. I felt my muscles soften. My head didn’t feel like it was going to explode with steam. And usually with the release came tears. A form of natural cleansing and recalibration for the system.
Our breath gets to be our best friend. She is here to keep us alive and well. But I can sometimes take her for granted. I just assume she is there, doing her thang.
That’s why tuning into the breath as a mindfulness anchor can be so helpful. I can reconnect and befriend this part f my body that works so hard day in and day out. The breath is in the present moment, unlike the thoughts in the mind. Connecting to my breath directs my attention to something real. Something actually interesting. Even when my mind assumes I know her, I am always surprised to notice and learn something new.
When you can get curious with the breath that’s where you can feel your own life source. It re-centers you.
In a world that is fighting for your attention, I welcome you to grab hold of yours and “Just Breathe.”
This Week’s Practice: Just Breathe
Share your noticings with me in the comments or send a DM.
What is the temperature of your breath in this moment?
What part of the body do you feel your breath alive in this moment?
What texture is the breath? (smooth? choppy? etc)
How does your breath feel on your upper lip as you exhale?
What else do you notice about your breath?