“If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath.”
Do you ever forget to breathe? For me, it happens when I witness something
sublime: the grandeur of Niagara Falls, a baby’s lusty first cry, or iridescent
raindrops sliding down a windowpane. The beauty places my body on pause. It
wraps me up in its embrace and all of a sudden, gasping, I return to consciousness.
We’re pulled into a state of instinctual shallowness all the time. Usually healthy,
from-the-diaphragm breathing takes the wayside as we balance work, dinner plans,
relationships, and fitness. Overcome by the mad rush of the moment, we fail to
slow down, breathe consciously, and fuel our bodies with the fresh oxygen it needs
to thrive on a second-by-second basis.
Sometimes not breathing consciously is okay. We may instead have a
heightened consciousness toward an experience or someone. Other times, it is a
reminder to slow down and remember to be aware of what brings us life.
Commit with me this month to breath deeply and live responsibly.
LEARN: ADJUST YOUR BREATHING
Breathe through the nose. Close your mouth and place your tongue up
the palate.
Extend your exhale. Inhale for 2-3 seconds, exhale for 3-4 seconds,
pause for 2-3 seconds and then repeat.
Be “proud.” Make sure your body posture is upright.
Relax. Become aware of any tensions going on and let them go.
Nose Exhale Proud Relax
GIVE
We empower you to invest in the
vitality of those around you.
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GROW
We offer classes and workshops
to coax out your best self.
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GATHER
We believe that relational
living is key to happiness.
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Bethany Erb, Editor in Chief.