Breathing into your Self

© Copyright 2024 Fran Carey, All Rights Reserved.

Our world is so fast paced we seldom think about the simple act of breathing.  And too many of us forget to do that most basic of survival actions correctly.  We breathe fast and incompletely, and wonder why we are tired and mopey.  There are many ways to regulate our breathing.  We can literally take classes on it, as part of yoga, meditation, or athletic training.  We can also do a simple, easy, four count circle breathing routine whenever we need to slow down and gather ourselves, or calm ourselves in stressful situations, such as driving over Kenosha.

First, take one deep breath in, then exhale fully.

Now, breathe deeply in as you silently count to 4.  Hold that breath as you again count to four.  Exhale for a four count, hold again for 4, then start over.  Repeat as many times as necessary to get over the mountain pass, resist the temptation to tell your boss what he can do with that report, or otherwise regain your composure.

This is a proven, quick, and easy way to reset your breathing, oxygenate your blood, and calm your heart rate, allowing you to make better, less impulsive decisions in which your knowledge takes part, not just knee jerk reactions.

Breathing is also a good way to get in touch with your body.  As you inhale, visualize the oxygen going to your hands, your feet, your intestines, each body part in turn.  Take in enough air for all your bits to have some.  Now do a quick systems check.  Are your toes cold?  Do you need to put lotion on your hands?  Are you hungry?  Thirsty?  Is the chair uncomfortable under your bum?  Do this at least once a day.  Try it sitting, standing, lying in bed.  Learn to check in with and listen to your body as it reports its physical status.  Listen to tension in your legs as your subconscious prepares you to run from the hard truths to which the Pam Houston book is awakening you.  Feel the soft summer breeze as you walk from the car into work.  Smell the burnt grease as you approach the grocery store.  Examine any strong thoughts about these bodily reports.  Does the grease remind you of a really fun Friday night when you were sixteen and you and your friends cruised the hamburger joints and laughed so hard you were sore the next day?  Did you realize you were prepared to run from the idea of going to the latest horror movie, and rethink that whole plan?

Breathe in, follow the breath into your body, and let your body tell you what's going on with it, with the environment around you, and within you as you learn to read the physical reactions you have to emotional states, and to use that feedback to work with your emotions, through breathing, counseling, magic, or the traditions from your family.  Breathe into being your truest Self.

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