I am recovering from a lingering cold which has zapped the energy for several days. Today I’m finally breathing better and feeling more like my self again. It makes me appreciate my ability to breathe even more!
I’ve written before about how our breath is connected with our wellbeing and emotional state. Noticing how we are breathing is a tool that we can use to monitor how we are doing.
There is an other pause that comes with our breath which is also revealing. The pause at the end of the exhale before we take in more air. When we are distracted, stressed or in an anxious state, there is no pause. We don’t trust we have enough air and we don’t allow ourself to relax and let go.
Just take a moment to tune into how you are breathing right now. Just notice without judgment.
Pausing at the end of an exhale can only happen when we are relaxed and in tune with our mind and body. When our body and mind are aligned in the present moment.
This is what I do to check in with myself. Its a great yardstick on my level of relaxation to life in that moment.
Are you rushing in the air and holding on before letting go? Gasping in!
Are you afraid to let go on the exhale? Holding on!
Or are you aware of a special silent space. This is when you realize that there is no rush… Where you can rest in this pause that takes you past the fear of not enough to the realization that there is more than enough. This is often a place of struggle … which can be transformed to a place of peace and inner expansion.
Its impossible to try to do it. It requires being relaxed and open to let it happen.
To become relaxed, take several full diaphragmatic breaths. Breath in through your nose and let yourself release with a sigh on the exhale.
Keep breathing deeply.
Allow your shoulders to relax. Allow your belly to soften.
Release effort and allow your body to absorb the energy and nourishment.
Notice any tension and imagine sending your breath there to let it release and flow.
Imagine you are softening your whole body and mind … almost like melting.
Now see if you can allow yourself to pause and rest at the end of the exhale… without any effort whatsoever.
Just for a moment, be with this stillness and spaciousness. Trust that it is always within you.
Namaste
happy to hear of your gentle recovery, Val!
may body effortlessly heal guided by its wisdom
and your compassionate care 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you David … It has been slow and a valuable lesson in patient self kindness. 🙂
LikeLike
You’re in good hands. Stay well!
LikeLiked by 2 people
We all are Eric. Stay well too my friend!
LikeLike
I never knew that Val. I have a pause this evening after having had a wonderful day! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
As they say “it’s going around” here. Now that I am radiating in the Canadian heat I feel better by the minute!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you’re on the rebound, Val. Stay well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Nancy … I’m dreaming of Florida sun and warmth. Heading not far from you in early March!
LikeLike
If you’ll be here long enough, and close enough, maybe we can meet up somewhere?
LikeLike
Perhaps not this time… its pretty short, but I’ll give you wave from the other side of the bay as we drive south 🙂
LikeLike
No worries! Once you retire down here, we can relax on the beach and practice our breathing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
… and grow pineapples too?
LikeLike
Capital idea!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Attention to breath is one of those great “go to” mindfulness tools. I’m glad your own breath is on the mend. Thanks for another lovely post on staying in the moment.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Tree. Breathe easy in the week ahead 🙂
LikeLike
Wonderful post, Val. Thanks for the healing energy.
LikeLike
Thank you Ann for your healing support!
LikeLike
Where there is breath, there is life! This is a wonderful practice and reminder to respect and be aware of our breath daily 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Karen. May the life force be with you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent advice. For the last few weeks I have been using a biofeedback unit that through guiding one to breathe in harmony with a musical phrase allows one to slow the whole body down. Down to about 4.8 breaths per minute. It really underlines how slow one’s breathing rate can be and, supporting your post, the glorious pauses after each inhale and exhale.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s interesting Paul; it would be good to hear more about that on your blog perhaps?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Paul! What an interesting experiment into slowing the whole body down! It is amazing how we can become more conscious and therefore more able to master our bodies and minds.
I’d love to hear more!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hariod and Val, I’ll write up a post over on LfD before the end of the week.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Breathe, you are Alive 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love that capital Chris! We are indeed. 🙂
LikeLike
Glad you’re on the mend!
LikeLike
Thank you Jean! x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post, as usual, Val! I’m happy you are feeling a bit better. Please come to the west coast of FL…maybe we could meet up, Nancy and I are not too far from each other here 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Tiny! We are visiting friends this trip and checking out some areas that might be worth buying a house to retire to….. I’m excited!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have fun checking out the area ~ moving here 6 years ago was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s great! But now I have to tell you a true story: I have a friend couple who were looking for a house to retire to in FL last year. They were “stuck” on looking on the east coast. Then I told him just to take a trip to the west coast too before deciding…and they ended up buying right away here, actually very close to where Nancy is… Just saying 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m drawn to north of St Pete’s – around Dunedin, Anna Maria Island, Sarasota and Sanibel…… when I have more time I’ll reach out to you and Nancy! Thank you for the enthusiastic pre-welcome 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Breathing deeply. Right now.
How lovely!
thank you for the morning breath — you and Lorrie are in sync!
And so glad you’re breathing better now too.
Hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Louise for your lovely thoughts and wishes 🙂 x
LikeLike
Keep healing Val! xoxo
LikeLike
Thanks Yvonne. Its working 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I never noticed that! Very cool. My conscious breath may never be the same again. 🙂 Glad you’re recovering. Feeling yucky ain’t much fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Julie! Breath easy my friend 🙂
LikeLike
Pingback: Our thoughts make us human | Learning from Dogs