Breathe Into an Important Event

Breathe Into an Important Event

When it comes to a significant event or activity no one is immune to butterflies in the stomach, clammy hands, dry mouth, or the accelerated beat of our heart. Whether you’re getting married, giving a speech, addressing your co-workers, on a casting call, or defending a moving violation in court, often our nerves can get the best of us, causing us to feel powerless and inconsequential, which only make matters worse.

I’ve stood in front of sixty yoga students, many of which were disappointed that the teacher who was supposed to be there wasn’t. I anxiously wondered how I was going to pull off teaching a class on being peaceful in the face of stress when I was shaking in my yoga pants. After experiencing the jitters more than once and contemplating why, I realized I was only nervous because I mistakenly believed class was about “me.”

Many have been conditioned to believe that being nervous in an important situation is normal. Is heart disease normal even though it’s been rated as the number one killer in America? Just because something occurs often and has been accepted as “a part of life,” doesn’t mean we have to accept it.

If we have conviction, whether we’re teaching, advocating, or appropriately defending a point and we take the time to realize we truly believe what we are saying, that we’re making an offering to be of service, nervousness will fade. It’s not about us. If it comes from our heart and soul, and it’s not something that our ego has manufactured to feel better, bigger, and more consequential, the anxiety will pass. Our dissertation will be as natural and playful as convincing a friend that the flavor of ice cream we like is far better than theirs.

How do you know whether you truly feel and believe what you’re doing, saying, or getting involved in? Stop in your tracks. Sit if you can, and take these four steps toward “self-honesty.”

1. GROUND — If you’re standing, let your weight sink into the soles of your feet and allow your exhales to bring you “down to earth” so that you feel humble and close to your source. This practice creates a feeling of support.

2. BREATHE – With the tip of your tongue pressed lightly on your upper pallet just behind your two top front teeth, draw three breaths or more through an OPEN MOUTH and exhale through your nose with your mouth closed. This practice balances your energy.

3. FEEL — Notice any sensations in your body, any tension that you were not aware of only a moment before. As you breathe let any tension dissolve. Notice any negative thinking, such as, “I can’t do this.” Or, “I’m afraid.” Just notice without judging, or creating a story around it. This practice expands our awareness.

4. WITNESS — Observe the entire event in the exact order of this practice beginning with GROUNDING, followed by watching your breath and noticing your feelings physically and emotionally. This practice cultivates “non-judgment” and acceptance.

Take as long as necessary until you know that your actions are coming from your wisdom center within your body, and not from your ego. When we are faced with a life situation regardless of its magnitude and we feel small and attempt to use our “will” to compensate there is a good chance we will be nervous, but if we are connected to our truth and our breath we will experience an effortless flow because the world will always benefit from another present being. GROUND – BREATHE – FEEL – WITNESS

With Love & Gratitude,

Next blog: Breathe Into Your Workout…

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www.wholebreath.com

Breathe Into A Peaceful Day

Just as a good night’s sleep begins by using our breath to let go, a peaceful day begins in humility. 

As human beings our lives are supported by the earth.   The term “humility” comes from the Latin word “humilis”, and is translated not only as humble, but also as “low”, or “from the earth.”  It is important to acknowledge that each day gives us an opportunity to grow and branch out like a deeply rooted tree expressing ourselves and being of service to others, just as a tree might bare fruit or offer shade for rest. 

When we awaken each morning consciously aware of our potential to expand creatively as a result of our rootedness, in our job, with our family, or simply within our experience of those we may not even know we set the stage for a feeling of peace inside that will draw peace toward us like a magnet.  How we feel inside will always be reflected by what we experience outside.  To accept this idea we must be humble.

Tomorrow morning, whether you use an alarm clock or not, when your eyes open, TAKE PAUSE.  As difficult as it might seem, no matter what you think and feel you must rush to do, take a moment and close your eyes again. 

Notice your physical and mental desire to jump out of bed, especially if you’re used to rushing to the coffee pot.  Without judgement, experience your five senses, noticing the smell, light flickering through your eye lids, the taste in your mouth, sounds you might hear from others in the house or outside, and finally how your body feels lying in bed, the texture of the sheets against your skin.  This practice will help set a tone of presence for the day.

Place your right palm on your belly button and your left palm on your chest.  Take a moment to acknowledge that today is a gift, filled with opportunities to breathe from your belly and to live from your heart.  With this in mind take three long and slow complete breaths through your nose filling your hands.  Allow yourself to savor each breath all the way in and all the way out. 

As you arrive at the top of your last inhale — PAUSE — then sigh it out through your mouth.  Take one more moment to notice how balanced you feel, relaxed, yet ready to move into the rhythms of your day. 

Remember, it’s not what life throws at us; it’s how we respond that determines how we feel. 

With Love & Gratitude,

Next blog:  Breathe Into an Important Event

(Please post your comments in support of living with response-ability)

www.wholebreath.com

Breathe Into a Good Night’s Sleep

What is a wholebreath and how can it help me sleep better?

A wholebreath is a complete breath that fills your belly, ribs and chest. In the practice of Hatha yoga this is called a yogic complete breath. It is the most effective natural method to relax in preparation for a peaceful nights sleep.

Tonight, after you get cozy under the covers, close your eyes, then place one palm on your belly button and the other palm over the space between your ribs.

Since fear and anxiety is what keeps most of us from not breathing fully, tell yourself you are safe, then give into the natural downward force of gravity.    As you do this notice your exhale lengthen.

Finally, draw three deep breaths into your body filling your palms and savoring each exhale as you let go.

Sweet dreams… Let me know how it went.

With love & gratitude!

Next blog; learn to start your day in peace.

(Please post your comments in support of living with response-ability)

www.wholebreath.com