Just Breathe.

Are you breathing? Well, of course you are! But when was the last time you stopped and intentionally took a few deep, cleansing breaths? With a host of family, work and community commitments we can sometimes be pulled in enough directions to make our heads spin. Add the stress of navigating a global pandemic and you might find yourself going through life holding your breath a lot!

Physically the breath refreshes the body, increases oxygen in the circulatory system and releases the carbon dioxide that’s no longer useful. In Christianity and many other faith traditions the breath represents the creating and sustaining force of life. In the same way God blew the breath of life into the first human being, each breath is an opportunity for something new — a new thought, idea or connection. The breath serves as a reminder of the closeness of God and it refreshes creative possibilities within the mind, body and spirit. With each exhale we release feelings and thoughts that no longer serve us. Employing breathing exercises throughout the day can help lower blood pressure, decrease the impact of stress and clear the mind. Sometimes a few deep breaths can be just the thing to help us stay calm, grounded and even creative in the midst of all that life brings.

So, the next time you’re waiting in the carpool line, shopping at the grocery store, sitting in the office or whenever you feel the stress or pressure of life building, try this quick exercise:

Close your eyes (but not if you’re driving, of course!)

Slowly inhale through your nose, filling your abdomen.

Hold for a count of 5.

Exhale through your mouth completely.

Repeat 3x.

When life gets hectic, just breathe. You got this!

- Ronné