Breathe.
Everybody does it. At least live creatures do it. Even plants breathe in their own way. You might have noticed that you breathe. You stand close to a window, and your breathing fogs it up! You watch a loved one, maybe a child, breathing while they sleep. Their body slowly rises and falls with each inhale and exhale. You may hear the whispery sounds of the breaths. It can be mesmerizing watching someone breathe while asleep. They are so innocent and vulnerable. I remember when my son was a baby and quietly slept. We would stare at his body to be sure he was breathing, then we exhaled in relief that he was okay.
In the biblical story of creation, God breathes into his creation to give them life. There is the wonderful phrase we’ve all heard, “the breath of life.” A Speech Therapist I know told me that (at the end of life) the body will try to breathe no matter what else is happening (or shutting down). Truly every breath is the breath of life.
“Experts” teach people how to breathe. I’m not trying to do that with you. But I am offering some tips. Sure, there are certain times, like diving underwater, that you need specific practices in breathing. And there is a whole practice of breathing to maximize your fitness. It is quite intense. Certain health practitioners teach “breathwork,” which might be helpful or can be very strange. But somewhere between just letting your body breathe on its own, naturally, and intense breath control, is simply more awareness of your breath. You could benefit from that, I’m sure of it.
Of course, your body does breathe on its own. All our cells need oxygen, and breath is how it gets into our bodies, then through several other steps it makes its nourishing travel all over the body. Most of the time you have no need to think about breathing, it just happens. Thank God because if we had to consciously think about every breath, it would be hard to get anything else done, it would demand so much focus.
A first step in benefitting more from your breath is to take time to notice it. This is not trying to control it but just paying attention. Controlling your breath will be tempting. But with some practice you can become aware when you attempt to control and just notice instead. Letting go, allowing your body to breathe can be fun, if you take it slow and patiently.
Let me guide you to try a few things with your breath. In a safe space, get relaxed and comfortable. You may sit or lie down. Once you practice this it can be done while walking. Close your eyes if safe to do so. Notice the rise and fall of your chest or belly (or both). To do this you can just put your focus on your torso, and you might also place your hand softly on your belly. Inhale brings the rise of your hand; exhale makes it fall. As you breathe, when you pay close attention around your nose, you will notice coolness of air coming in and warm air leaving your nostrils. Just allow this to happen, not intentionally changing the depth or speed of your breathing. Isn’t it awesome? You breathe naturally, creating a rhythm of tensing slightly on inhale, relaxing on exhale.
Take a deep breath on purpose. Inhale slow and deep. This will likely expand our chest and your shoulders rise. Then on exhale, your shoulders drop and your chest falls. Do this again slower and breathe deeper. Breathe into your belly.
Next breathe lightly, slowly into your belly. Don’t make great effort, do not force it. Breathe so lightly that you can barely hear your breath. You may notice your belly rising and falling, and your chest moving very little.
Counting breaths can help sometimes, like taking three long slow breaths. And allowing them to release on their own, not pushing the breaths out.
You breathe naturally, creating a rhythm of tensing slightly on inhale, relaxing on exhale. It's that relaxation that I want you to get on purpose. When you can use your breathing, you can bring up calm and reduce tension. You can settle your nervous system and marvel at the peace God built into your system.
Job said, “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Job 33:4
