Reader

In life, we get those moments where we go into full panic, the rug gets pull from under our feet and we are left with an overwhelming p/aralyzing fear. I had one of those moments a few weeks ago when I heard from the doctor that my husband needed open heart surgery.

I was afraid, angry and so distressed. My whole world was collapsing and there was nothing I could do. I came home while my husband stayed at the hospital, cleaned, prepared the house for his arrival, and after that …. I just sat down and breathed. I closed my eyes and took deep breaths.

We have all been there at one point in time, maybe your loved one have not have opened heart surgery, but it can be a diagnosis, menopause, an accident, the loss of a job. So many things can send our world spiraling where, literally, the thing left to do is to breathe. And when we breathe on purpose, magic happens.

While breathing did not prevented my husband from getting heart surgery, it allowed me time to calm down and realize what was happening. It opened space for the emotions to freely flow through my body and my mind. When I let them flow, the emotions passed, I noticed them and then I got a sense of resignation, hope, even peace.

Breathing is an essential part of our survival, but it also holds the key to regulating our emotional and physical state. When we are stressed or afraid, our breath becomes shallow and rapid. This rapid breathing triggers the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the "fight or flight" response.

When we are hurting or afraid, it is easy to forget to breathe. But it is in these moments that we need to remember to take slow, deep breaths. This simple act can help us to reset our nervous system and bring ourselves back to a state of calm.

Here are a few tips for practicing purposeful breathing:

• Find a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down.
• Close your eyes and focus on your breath.
• Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, filling your lungs completely.
• If you can, hold your breath for a few seconds, feeling your lungs full.
• Exhale slowly and completely through your mouth.
• Continue breathing in this way for several minutes.

As you practice purposeful breathing, you will begin to notice a sense of calm and relaxation. Your heart rate will slow down, your muscles will relax, and your mind will become clearer.

Purposeful breathing is a simple but powerful tool that can help us to navigate life's challenges. By remembering to breathe on purpose, we can reset our nervous system, calm our minds, and find the strength to face whatever comes our way.

Life will always throw curve balls at us, do you want to have better tools to navigate it? Schedule a call, and I will be happy to be in your corner to help you breathe better.

113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
​Unsubscribe · Preferences​