Breathe

Breathing is a natural instinct each of us performs approximately 22,000 times a day (according to Ms. Google). It’s also something we rarely think about; it’s just part of living. For some time now, I’ve been acutely aware of breathing. During grief counseling sessions, I observe how clients are breathing. Are their breaths deep and cleansing or shallow and negligible? Sometimes I wonder if they are breathing at all.

My meditation practice has taught me the benefits of diaphragm breathing. When we breathe deeply through our nose for 3 counts, hold the breath for three counts, then exhale through our mouth for three counts, we are diaphragm breathing. It’s not rocket science, but the benefits are astronomical.

Diaphragm breathing provides a reset of our emotions:

Feeling angry, breathe.
Feeling afraid, breathe.
Feeling sad, breathe.
Feeling hurt, breathe.
Feeling misunderstood, breathe.
Feeling confused, breathe.
Feeling exhausted, breathe.
Feeling hopeless, breathe.

Breathing can provide rest and relief. It’s like a magic elixir that’s light as a feather but powerful beyond measure. The next time you are at a stand-still, crossroad, or the end of your rope, try breathing.