~ We tend to keep going, and going, and going – until an obstacle brings us to a screeching halt. Take the time to pause every now and again. Look up, and around, and check-in – with yourself ~ talkswitheve
When last did you just take a breath? We take breaths and we breathe all the time. I know that. Duh.
However, that is automatic AND necessary for us to stay alive.
What I am asking of you, is when was the last time you deliberately, and mindfully, took a breath? You know, the time when you were mindful of the breath you took?
Mindful breathing
Mindful breathing can be a part of meditation – if meditation is something you do. However, it is not only for meditation. It is a useful habit you can embrace.
You can focus on your breath at any time. Whether you are standing in line or sitting in traffic. The key thing is to focus anywhere on your body where you feel tense, so you can relax those muscles.
You do not need any particular tool or exercise. There are too many mindful breathing exercise videos online for me to provide just one. Each of you is a unique individual, and so your preference will be unique to you.
I will suggest if you particularly need an instructional video, to search for one that works for you. A quick Google search gave me the results of about 16,000,000.
That is a LOT!
An easier and quicker method is merely to follow the path of your breath. This requires you to turn your focus inward and travel along with your breath.
It is that simple. Taking a breath is also that simple.
Just take a breath
At any point in time during a particularly busy day, you need to just take a breath to slow down. It is a very small action with a great reward. This is all you need for self-regulation – any time you need to relax your mind or body.
When, for whatever reason, you are feeling overwhelmed or you are struggling to let something go, take that small action. It is one step forward. Note how you feel after.
An unknown author penned the quote “Breath is Spirit. The act of breathing is Living”. As the Christmas holiday approaches, due to COVID-19, we all have more than the usual holiday stress. As strange as it may sound when stressed you can forget to breathe.
So, remember to pause every now and again and just take a breath – a very deep breath.
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