In my recent blog The Gift of the Present I talked about how important it is to be mindful of the simple but profound moments of your lives so that you can savor them and allow them to linger.
Being strategically mindful is something to strive for often in your day. If you have ever done yoga or meditation you would recognize the benefits of being mindful of your breath.
For instance:
If you have tight muscles and you “breathe into them” it helps them release and let go
Breathing helps you stay grounded
When you focus on your breath it brings you to the present moment and stops the mind chatter
There are other benefits to being aware of your breath. If you are nervous ,your breath tends to speed up or you breathing becomes more shallow. This is the perfect time to consciously breathe deeper, into your belly and relax your body. By staying present, you are more apt to make decisions that are intuitive and guided by a higher power.
You can also purposefully take a few deep breaths before responding impulsively so that you get back in touch with your higher self before you respond.
My yoga teacher read the following poem to us in class and I would like to share it with you. Clive Fogelman talks beautifully about this life giving, magical force. Enjoy!
Marianne
Finding my Breath
by Clive Fogelman
You come to me when I feel untethered
Unsure of my next move, you offer space to pause
A sanctuary to confront my reality
When I want to escape, you bring me back
In the midst of pain and confusion, you are always present
Providing calm within the chaos, guiding me to a place of acceptance
Some lessons are hard to hear but you ground me in the shadows of uncertainty
My ego visits often, luring me away and
Old voices return urging me to push harder and go deeper
But you encourage me to go slower and be gentler
There are many distractions but you guide me through the clutter
Defenses dissolve as I open to a new world
I often need to give you permission to be free but this is my work
Even when I forget about you, you remain by my side, sustaining and nourishing me
Every day you challenge me providing a window into my soul
You are the reflection that maintains my balance
You are the key that unlocks my flow
You allow me to fly and be grounded
You let me dance and be still
You hold me and you release me
You are my breath
