Finding a moment to breathe
This week I restarted a simple but important practice. Breathing. Yes I'm already breathing, but that's not what I meant. I meant the deep seated breathing that goes along with meditation.
Post published on July 31, 2013 • Last Updated May 24, 2021.
It has been years since I first learned about the importance of breathing and quieting my mind. Every morning I use to get up and just sit and breathe for 30 minutes. Of course that was way before I had a child and had an extra 30 minutes.
These days sitting still for 30 minutes feels like a luxury. As any parent knows once a child see you sitting down, that's their cue to come and talk with you. Cause obviously, you need some company if you're just sitting alone. Right? Bless our kids. LOL
But the reality is we DO need a few minutes of quiet time. I confess I sure do. I start to get twitchy if there's to much "noise" going on around me and inside my head. Lately I've been feeling things are too loud and I can't hear myself think. If I can't think, then how can I take care of things?
So to help me hear what I'm thinking....isn't that an interesting statement....I had to go back to having quiet time. So every morning this week, I woke and just sat for 15 minutes. I didn't check email, I didn't turn on the TV, I didn't do all the usual morning things. I took the time to sit. And breathe. Deeply.
Now I confess the first 5 minutes are the hardest. As my mind stills and starts getting organized, I start thinking of all the things I could be doing. At that point I have to be determined and say to myself, that waiting another 10 minutes won't make a difference. But if a thought is really nagging me, then I write it down on a notepad next to me and go back to sitting and breathing.
By the third day I was getting better at sitting and breathing without feeling panicked. It's crazy to think that sitting still for 15 minutes can lead to me panicking about not getting something done. But that's the crazy part isn't it? That I can't even take 15 minutes for myself.
As I sat and breathed, I am amazed that I've allowed myself to get into this state of mind. But with each minute I sit there breathing, I'm slowly changing that state. I'm slowly returning to myself and hearing my thoughts in the noise of the world. It's amazing how just the simple act of sitting and breathing can do that.
When was the last time you sat and breathed?
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12 comments
I took a good deep, LONG breath today. I have been stressed out with a variety of things and the anxiety I felt was overwhelming. I took several moments to take good cleansing breaths and relax the best way I can. I feel so much better! This post was right in line with what I have been feeling lately. Let's both keep taking those much needed breaths! :)
ReplyDeleteI used to treasure Sunday mornings when my kids slept late, and I could get up early to read my Sunday newspaper and drink my coffee in peace. Those quiet times were often the only time I had to myself the entire week.
ReplyDeleteI need to do this. I try to start the day with my Bible, too, and I often forget. Thanks for the reminder. I do need to take time for me!
ReplyDeleteI could really use a few minutes to breath. That is why my quiet bath time is my favorite time of the day. Slow even breaths and a quiet room make all the struggles of the day go away.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post! I have been trying to take little moments, increased my workouts and keep calming myself throughout the day. I am going to try this.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean. Every once in a while I stop and realize I am not fully inhaling and exhaling. It's amazing how much that helps!
ReplyDeleteIt has been quite a while. Thanks for the reminder. I am always amazed at how I feel when I take some serious deep breaths.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good plan and something I need to start doing. My first thought in the morning is to grab my phone and check in with email, facebook, twitter. I need to start getting up and doing this instead.
ReplyDeleteGosh this is so true. I fall in to that "not breathing" thing too - especially this time of year when I am traveling more than I am home. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteIt has been a long time ago. I need to start practicing this daily! I know it would help keep me calmer and probably help lower my stress levels!
ReplyDeleteI need to remember this. I never take time to breathe. Lovely post.
ReplyDeleteI have been trying so hard to do this the past few weeks. Starting the day with a few moments of quiet seem to start the day off so much better verses going strait to the tv, emails and everything else! It's so easy to get overwhelmed with everything going on in life, but taking a few moments to really breath and center yourself helps me to remember what really matters (not the laundry and dishes that are constantly calling my name!) :D
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