by Heather Sherrill, as seen in The Senior Years, August 2015
If someone asked you if you knew how to breathe you would probably laugh!
When was the last time you remember breathing?
This may sound like a silly question, but really when was the last time you truly were aware of your breath? Your breath is one of your greatest gifts! Breathing is one thing you can usually control in your life. A gift that we take for granted when we are not present in the moment!
Do you want to feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally? You have the ability within yourself to increase your physical stamina, mental clarity, and emotional balance. You may think you do not have time to “Just Pause,” but ask yourself how long is a commercial or how long do you sit at a red light? Long enough to take 3 slow deep breathes, taking you less than 60 seconds!
Deep breathing increases oxygen flow as you inhale, and releases more carbon dioxide as you exhale. Taking 3 deep slow breathes several times throughout the day may begin to increase the quality of your health and your life on every level!
Based on extensive research, mindfulness and relaxation training has many health benefits: lower blood pressure
- reduce anxiety, stress, & chronic pain
- reduce the use of prescription drugs
- increase blood flow to the heart
- improve children’s grades in school
- reduce sick days at work
- improve overall productivity
(results vary by individual)
Present moment awareness, also called mindfulness, is intentionally paying attention to the present moment. Be aware of what you are doing, without judgment. Something that is often lacking in the chaos of our daily lives.
Keep an open mind, a mindful 60 seconds! Take a time-out and “Just Pause”!
Start now, while you continue reading this article:
- Become aware of your breath, just notice it!
- Take 3 slow deep breaths, breathing in and out as you continue reading.
- Continue to be aware of your breathing;
- breathe in and out,
- practice mindful breath awareness
In this day of technology, being so connected with gadgets, we need to ask ourselves: What about connecting to yourself?
A mindful awareness takes you less than 60 seconds, inhaling and exhaling deeply for 3 breaths. We can easily find 60 seconds,
- during a commercial,
- while sitting at a traffic light, or
- standing in line at a store.
“Just Pause” honoring your health and your breath, instead of taking it for granted.
Would you like to see more peace in your local community? Become the peace you’d like to see, the peace begins within you!
Please take a deep breath, and “Just Pause”!