The Breath of Sweet Life

Run the rivers, breathe deep of that yet sweet and lucid air, sit quietly for a while and contemplate the precious stillness, that lovely, mysterious and awesome space.

                                                                                                      ~Edward Abbey

How simple is breathing? We never think about it. Not unless we can't catch our breath. Between air, water, and food, it's the one thing we most immediately need.

I've come to learn that deeply breathing can have all kinds of benefits. It detoxifies, releases tension, relaxes the mind and body. Breathing brings clarity, can relieve emotional problems, improves posture, and helps to elevate moods.

These are just a few of the benefits of taking slow, deep breaths. Amazing isn't it? Something as simple as taking in air can offer such goodness. All we need to do is take the time to love ourselves enough for a few minutes each day and breathe.
Here's how:

Retreat Time:

Before deep breathing, set the intention that you are doing so lovingly and without judgement. Be gentle with your body and the old energies you may find when doing this retreat. We are who we are because of everything that has come before. Everything has merit. Sometimes it's just time to let what is no longer serving us go.

• Gently call to mind a thought or belief that no longer serves you. If you can, sense where this heaviness rests in your body. Tell it you're about to send it on an adventure.
• Now inhale through your nose pulling the breath into your belly first, then expanding your chest. Do this to the count of four.
• Hold and count to three. Imagine the cells of your body filling with golden sunshine energy. Let this light attach to any negative energies, and watch them  hitch a ride on the wave of light you've taken in.
• Exhale fully from the mouth and feel the beams flowing out to the world carrying whatever you need to release. Send them with love. Do this to a count of five.

Do this if you can for 5 to 10 minutes a day, and let me know how you feel by week's end. It's easy, it's helpful, and it may set you free.

Lovingly with every breath I take,
Kimberly