Focusing on the act of breathing clears the mind of all daily distractions and clears

our energy enabling us to better connect with the Spirit within. 

~Author Unknown

Breathe.  Let go.  And remind yourself that this very moment is the

only one you know you have for sure. 

~Oprah Winfrey

Julea Leonard has inspired me to join her group, Meditation Monday.  So every Monday I am going to explore ways to meditate and breathe.  I know that I need to relieve stress and worry over selling a house or not selling a house and what my three teenage boys are doing.  Also, breathing is so good for our mental and body health.

If you look at a newborn, you are reminded how to breathe.  They breathe in through their nose and their little chest expand greatly.  In our society most of us breathe shallowly just using the upper part of our lungs.  We often hold our breath.  I noticed I did that just now until I finished typing the sentence. 

Take a deep breath through your nose and breathe out your mouth.  Put your hands on your rib cage.  If your ribcage expands, then  you know you’re breathing right.  If it doesn’t, then you’re not taking a deep enough breath.  The more deeply you breathe, the more oxygen that gets to your brain.  It will help you relax and let go, to let go of the things over which we have no control. 

Homework for this week:  Practice breathing deeply this week and next Monday we’ll explore a new breathing.

I woke up worried at about 3am and wrote down this poem.  Deep breathing helped me to back to sleep.

Worry Crept In Through The Door

Worry crept in through the door

I didn’t know I’d left open.

Sleep, happy dreams, contentment

Then awake at 3am

Worry crept in through the door.

My heart constricts and beats faster

as worry squeezes.

Not much air in my lungs.

Worry crept in through the door.

Breathe, deep, sweet air

Try to fall back asleep.

Breathe, deep, sweet air,

conjure back the good dreams.

Let go, let go, let go is my mantra

Until finally, blissfully, sleep

Morning arrives with relief

My worry was unfounded.

Relief, relief, relief.