Breathe

Sounds as simple as it is, yet so many of us let this automatic function flow without ever taking the time to realize the power in each breath. Of course, we know that without it we die. We also know that we all do it because we have to, for without it there is no life. Yet how often do we pause to enjoy breathing? How often do we stop and give thanks in awe just for the reward of breathing? The very suggestion of such may sound trivial to you at first, but think for a moment how you would feel if, by some twist in circumstance, this function were cut off. How trivial would breathing be to you then? How much would you long for a moment when you could relax and enjoy such a leisurely activity? Suddenly, when suffocation threatens, in one moment, breathing can instantly become the most important thing in the world to you. So why not pause and enjoy it for a moment now?

Although we don't always feel it physically, stress, circumstances, thoughts and general busy-ness can sometimes take the joy out of this simple activity. As our minds constantly focus on the next bullet on our to do list and our bodies are in continuous motion while running the rat race, our breathing sometimes becomes too shallow or has its rhythm interrupted by various emotions and activities. However, a few deep, cleansing breaths, is sometimes the exact remedy we need to help us think more clearly, relax or reset our mental state when we feel like life is closing in on us.

A few times each day, let's practice pausing for a moment to take a few deep, deliberate breaths. As we breathe in, try focusing on how each breath feels as it enters our bodies. Where is it going? Try to let it fill your chest and notice how it expands your chest as it enters and how it deflates your chest as it exits. Now, let the next few travel to your belly as you inhale. Watch your belly expand as each breath enters and watch it deflate as it exits. Basically, take notice of what your breath is doing, the role that it is playing as it flows in and out of you. Know that, whatever is going on in your life is not as important as these simple breaths. Know that you are blessed in this moment, just by the fact that you can breathe deliberately, on your own and that you can take these few moments just to focus on this activity that is literally a part of your life support. Don't allow your mind to tell you that taking such time out is silly. Instead think about the millions of people around the world who can't do this on their own, but rely, instead, on a machine to do it for them. Or, worse yet, think of those can't do it on their own and don't have a machine to assist. People who, in this moment, are taking their last breathe and wishing that they had another moment like you do now to just appreciate such a simple, but glorious, activity.

No matter what's going on around you, you are here, now, you are breathing and you are full of the very life force that has sustained mankind since the beginning of time.

Relax, breathe and just think about it.