So now we are breathing a little better – as per my previous post – in for a slow count of seven and out for an even slower count of 11, relaxing that jaw, and breathing down into our feet, plus if we’re sitting a little quietly sometimes, just for ten minutes or so re my introductory post on Healing, we can begin to get a grip on our power, who we are.
The power of breath is awesome. It gives and it takes. We need to receive – love and light, air and fuel and we need to release – anxiety and tension, stress, chemicals, emotions, waste products.
We are human beings, not human doings!
Taking time just ‘to be,’ allows the body’s own thought processes to actually occur and its own natural rhythms to do their thing. The less we try, the more freedom we give it.
When we’re breathing ‘in,’ we can focus on ‘receiving’ and while we breathe ‘out,’ we can focus on ‘letting go.’ It’s good practice to try this wherever and whenever you can and to slow down your pace of life to incorporate your natural rhythms.
It’s easier said than done, I appreciate, but you will be amazed at the sense of self-worth which emerges and how much more confidence you will develop as a result of just ‘being’ yourself. Practice makes perfect.
None of us finds this as simple as it sounds because we’ll be out of kilter with much of our world. What will happen though, is you will broaden the boundaries of your own and it will be more important, meaningful and easier to make sense of! Wouldn’t we all like that?
I think that the world that lives within us is, although, at first, not seen, is similar to that of any ocean. What you see on the surface is not what is going on inside. Just because it is at first unseen, it doesn’t mean it’s not there.
The sea also comes and goes, gives and takes, receives and releases and has an awesome power.
What happens when you look a little deeper?
This is something no-one can do for you. Only you can see what’s lurking under your surface. You’ll be amazed at what secrets you’re holding onto too.
And what power. And peace – should you allow it to emerge.
What are you waiting for? Go breathe! Relax, receive and release…
Loved this post! And really liked the analogy with the sea! I am about to contemplate the year ahead this evening and fully intend to breathe properly whilst doing it! X.
Thank you. Great news – good luck! XX
I was surprised when my PND counsellor recently had me do some physical exercises to deal with stress. We pay so little attention to our bodies, and yet she could tell from our sessions that I was holding my grief in my chest.
By breathing, shouting, letting things go, instead of constantly holding my breath, I felt so much better.
There are some things/people I can’t change. But letting go of the tension from my body made all the difference.
Thanks Donna. The power of breathing is very much underestimated and has to be experienced to be believed. I’m glad it helped / helps you. Keep up the good work. Thanks for coming over here X
I tried and tried for many years to just ‘be’ in myself, to no avail. It is only now I’m older, and my children have caused me to be out of control most of the time, that I can truly feel who I am and the mood I’m in. It is a revelation to me, and so relaxing. Hope you can help people find their way there too x
Thanks for that Helen. As you get older I think it becomes too tiring to hold it all back and your real self can emerge through exhaustion if nothing else! This is a kinder way and something that could be taught in school. I think the health of the nation would be in an entirely different state!
Oh the comments here are as interesting as the post itself.
2013 is all about bringing the inside out
xxx
That is exactly what I was hoping for – that people would come forward X
Oh this is something I need to do. I am terrible for grinding my teeth. Someone noticed and told me, I even clench my hands into fists too. I really should try some relaxation techniques, thanks Anya!
Being aware of this is the first step, so at least you can do something about it now! Good luck x
A long time ago I used to do Reiki and take part in many different healing and well being circles, then I returned to England and life took over, thanks for the reminder, it might be time to drag those old skills back out for a dust down
Oh definitely. You’re welcome to write about that here, if you would like?
I’d have to do a lot of digging around in my memory banks first – it was all so long ago! I’ll keep it in mind and see what rises to the surface over the next few weeks
Fabulous, thank you. The more views here, the better.
Reading this post made me feel so relaxed it was brill. Will def be using some of these techniques at work and at home. Keep up the fab work xx
Thank you very much Suzanne. So glad to hear that. And thank you for your encouragement
It’s been suggested that I try breathing exercises in the past and I’ve always poo-pooed it if I’m honest but I will give it go now. And I’ll report back as to how I get on! Thanks Anya x
I’d be really interested to know how you get on – they’re very powerful X
Another absolutely lovely post, Anya. Isn’t it mad that we forget to pay attention to our breathing? I started to see a new acupuncturist a few months ago, and he is the first one I’ve ever been to who got me to do breathing and relaxation exercises during the session too. I was slightly embarrassed to realise that when I ‘woke up’ after the deep breathing I had tears streaming down my face. It had allowed me to let out a whole big bundle of stress and tension and emotion that I hadn’t even realised I was carrying. This post is such a good reminder to try and make breathing exercises a part of my everyday life rather than just something to do occasionally. Thank you xx
You’re welcome Ruth. I believe that the body is the mind and we carry so much stuff around in it, that we’re not aware of much of it. Breathing puts us in control of ourselves- and puts us back in touch with the body’s information which is valuable, if only we remember! It should be taught at school!