This post is #3 in the series, ‘How I came to do what I do’.
If you would like to read from the beginning:
Breathe when you are scared. Nervous. Fearful. Angry. Frustrated. Excited. Worried. Ungrounded.
Easily said or written.
Truth is – we usually STOP breathing or breathe erratically when we are highly stressed, scared or are emotional.
I know this all too well.
I also know that animals have taught me the true power of conscious breathing.
Starr lies here next to me as I create this post, comforted and warmed by her blanket. (See photo)
Her breathing is relaxed and deepens as she falls asleep.
Now she is snoring.
I am reminded to breathe. Not the shallow breaths that we are so used to.
Real breaths that expand our diaphragm and help us realize that we are HERE.
Our moment is NOW.
We are alive.
If we are experiencing fear, anger, grief, frustration or the myriad of emotions that help define us as human – breathing can help us get through the moments that feel like they might last forever.
Grief so intense that we think we may never feel content or joyful again.
Anger or rage that feels like it will swallow us whole and then spit a tiny, useless shard of us back out.
Depression that has us feeling so heavy that we won’t ever move or want to move again.
Frustration that makes you contemplate leaving. And never coming back.
You know. If you are human you know.
A simple exercise.
I call this shared breathing.
While sharing some relaxed time with an animal friend (dogs, cats and horses make great candidates), try placing your hands on them gently and take turns focusing on your own breathing and then their breathing.
Take a few deep breaths.
Then allow yourself to breathe easily but with attention to the air going in and out of your lungs.
Witness and feel your pup’s, your kitty’s or your horse’s side raise up or expand with each inhale.
And then recede with the exhale.
And relax into their body warmth. Their contentedness at just being there with you.
Just this and nothing else.
If other thoughts enter your mind gently acknowledge them and then turn your attention gently back to your animal’s breathing.
If you practice this shared breathing exercise you will begin to breathe together.
You will become conscious of how you are sharing this vital life function. You become conscious of sharing L I F E together.
You will bond. More than you already have.
Shared breathing becomes meditative.
You will feel your aliveness – you will feel more centered.
You will feel love. And loved.
B R E A T H E.
And be gentle with yourself.
During your moments of fear, frustration, anger, grief, sadness try to remember to BREATHE.
Just stop and take a few deep breaths.
Practicing shared breathing with your loving animal can help you hold a visual when you are challenged with your emotional responses in your day-to-day life.
When you consciously breathe you are altering your response which can then change the entire experience.
It’s as simple as breathing.
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[...] Post #3 and breathing [...]
My wife has been complaining about how I snore at night it keeps her awake. This is certainly something we can use so hopefully she gets some good sleep
[...] Post #3 and breathing [...]