So, how is the new year going? Already have forgotten your resolutions? Maybe you’re in northern Illinois where I am as I write this. We had about six inches of snow on the ground at 6 am. Morbid curiosity drove me to the community Facebook page. Already people were complaining about snow removal. It was still snowing. We received perhaps four more inches.
Maybe other things are getting you uptight? Perhaps the trouble is resting enough prior to going to bed that sleep comes late?
Part of my Yoga teacher training dealt with breath. Yes, we all breathe constantly all day and all night. Are you ever aware of that breath?
I offer a simple, easy breath method to help you to relax. Dr. Andrew Weil recommends it often. When Ted Lasso of the popular TV series was experiencing panic attacks, his therapist recommended it. I’m in good company.
The key to this method is to not stress over it or force it. It’s easy. Let it be easy.
- Sit. Upright. But not tense.
- Inhale through your nose counting to four. It doesn’t matter how fast or slow you count. Breathe as deeply as is comfortable for you.
- Hold your breath for a count of seven. Try to make it the same pace as the four. If you don’t make it to seven at first, no problem. Don’t stress over it.
- Exhale through the mouth for a count of eight. Try to make a whoosh sound through pursed lips. Try to keep the same pace to your counting. Imagine your lungs completely empty.
- Repeat 2-4 times.
When all those questions and more crowd your hyperactive brain that many people call the “monkey brain,” pause, sit, breathe.
4-7-8
It’s easy.
Faith Venture 
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