“I took a deep breath and listened to the old brag of my heart. I am, I am, I am.”
― Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar
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Breath is healing, but is so often taken for granted. Breathing in deeply calms the heart, relaxes tense muscles, and focuses the mind. Breath is life-giving, rejuvenating.
Meditation has always been an important part of my life, because it has allowed me to calm my mind when things aren’t going the way I had hoped. It returns me to center, to a place where I feel hopeful and inspired.
If you are feeling stressed today, here is an exercise which will help ease the tension:
Take a moment, pause whatever you are doing. If the TV is on, turn it off. If the radio is playing, turn it off. Find a quiet space where you can sit and be alone.
Take a single breath. Focus on it as it enters your body. Feel the breath move from your lips to your diaphragm and into your belly. Feel it awakening the tired or tense parts of your being. Then slowly release it. Let it go. Repeat until at ease.
