The Simple Act of Breathing

I have never had trouble breathing in my life and let me tell you, it is a very scary experience.

I didn't put the pieces together until later as I had lived in such stress for so long that I just thought my life was somehow "normal".

The problem for me very simply was I wasn't speaking or sharing any of my life experiences with others in their entirety. I was giving bits and pieces to some but never the whole story. Luckily, for me, I have friends who want to know the "whole" story.

The stress of living this way eventually led me to have periods where I honestly could not relax enough to breathe. Yikes!

It is such a simple thing to do---breathe in and out awhile. Sometimes though, not so easy to do given life circumstances. 

The other trouble of not telling the whole story to others is that it intensifies the desperation of the situation and makes things seem so hopeless. I honestly did not know I was harboring a secret about the elephant in my living room until I was able to catch my breath and speak. And I was ready in my own time. Thankfully, for me, it wasn't too late for a new beginning, a fresh start.

Breathing. I don't take it for granted anymore. I take better care of myself physically to foster that ability to take that deep, relaxing breath---in and out awhile. And, when I have some moments to relax and just be, I practice breathing and letting go of any expectations I have of life right here, right now...and that I have all I need in this moment.

I am not at my goal weight. Sometimes I really don't like my employment. I don't spend enough time with my children. And the list goes on and on...and includes breathing and taking steps one at a time as they appear to me and when I am ready to do so.

An Introduction

I had not been breathing or living right for some time. Distracted by what I could do for others and caught up in the fast pace of life, I forgot about my own heart and what I wanted and needed. I needed so desperately to slow down and catch my breath, but didn't know how to do just that.

There were times when I was under so much stress that I had forgotten how to relax and breathe in and out awhile. My heart raced, my blood pressure soared, and I didn't know what to do.

Not only was I having trouble breathing, I was also having troubles telling people what was on my heart. It was a very lonely road. This blog will be about how I found my way back to possibility. It wasn't just one event, but a series of events that helped me realize I had choices. There was still hope.

Now, most of the time it still helps me to get outside in the open air and breathe in and out awhile no matter the weather. I don't have the anxiety I had in years past after finally mustering up the courage to figure out what I could change and what was out of my control, and acting on that knowledge.

Conscious breathing was the first step. Breathe in and out awhile. Do nothing else for a minute or two. Add more time as needed. It may take awhile to get used to but I truly love the moments I sit in silence and watch the world spin. Listen to your heart. Sit awhile in wonder and see where it takes you.