Breathing

 

Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.” ~Thich Nhat Hanh

We all have the gift of breath. Use it. Become conscious of it.

Breathing has become my biggest tool and best friend: However, most of us default to chest breathing particularly in stressful situations. When we’re feeling frustrated, or panicked, or stressed, or scared, we tend to breathe rapid, shallow breaths, allowing minimal air to our lungs. We end up with tight shoulders and neck muscles. 

The alternative: Take deep, slow, mindful breaths through the nose. Then hold the breath briefly before exhaling. Not only does this help us release tension and reduce anxiety; it also provides a solid internal focus to help create relaxation and ease. Nourishing our bodies with air and in doing so a deep sense of internal safety.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, just breathe.

If you’re feeling worried, just breathe. 

If you’re feeling scared, just breathe. 

To help us improve our breathing, my yoga teacher would often tell us to lie down on the ground and place one hand on our belly and the other on our heart.  I would do this by finding a place to sit or lie down and take a moment to breathe and be aware of my breath.

Breathe in slowly through your nose and feel your abdomen expand fully. I personally like to close my eyes, but you can leave them open if you prefer. Now breathe out slowly through your mouth or nose and feel your abdomen slowly deflate. 

Take care of yourself, one slow deep breath at a time.

Changes

“Celebrate endings, for they precede new beginnings.” ~Jonathan Lockwood Huie

We are often resistant to change, and we don’t realize that change itself is constant.

I know there are times when I usually avoid changes and prefer to stay in my comfort zones, but I am a true believer that once I get the courage and take the first step to change, my life will become much better.

What I have learned:

• You grow and learn new things every time something changes. 

• You discover new insights about different aspects of your life. 

• Frequent changes make you easily adapt to new situations, new environments, and new people. Without change, there’d be no improvements.

• From time to time changes make you re-evaluate your life and look at certain things from a different perspectives. 

• Changes trigger progress. 

One never knows what each change may bring. When you turn from your usual path there will be plenty of different opportunities waiting for you. Changes will bring new choices, new beginnings and new opportunities.

Each change is a turning page. It is about closing one chapter and opening another one. 

And remember if there were no change, there would be no butterflies!