You Are Free

I guess sometimes we just have to breathe. Breathing is pretty important. These seem to be silly statements at first glance. But how often do I forget to breathe? How often do I find myself holding my breath while waiting for some emotion or frustration to pass? How often do I start breathing too fast to the point I hyperventilate because of anger or frustration? It happens consistently that I forget to do the main form of life sustaining movement-- breath. 


There's something distinctly unique about taking in a breath and feeling the air entering your lungs until they feel full and the breathing out again until they feel depleted.  Being in that moment of breath takes away the momentary emotion that I hold my breath for. It makes it impossible to hyperventilate. When I concentrate on nothing but the breath I allow for a pause to happen in the midst of emotion.  Focusing on that breath  allows me to have a break from the insanity that enters my head.  It offers me momentary relief. 


Sometimes that momentary relief is all that I need to gain my footing back in the real world and realize that my emotions aren't based in fact.  Other times it only serves as a moment of peace before I slip back into the world of emotional irregularity. Regardless of what that focus on the breath gives me, be it a moment of peace or the footing I need, I am contented in realizing that I am able to gain mini-vacations from my insanity just by breathing.


Take a breath in through your nose. Notice the air and how it feels as you inhale. Is the air warm? Cold? Does it have an odors or smell?  How does it feel as it expands in your lungs? Feel the expansion of your rib cage and notice how your body responds to air.  How do you lungs feel as they're filled with the air around you?  As you begin to breathe out feel your body pressing the air out.  As your body retracts into itself, pushing out the air, feel the warmth of the breath as it leaves your nostrils. And in that moment... in this moment you are free.