Simply Breathe

by Judy

We have the best intentions....to slow down and enjoy the summer.  To simplify our lives and savor each moment.  But life can get in the way. We are all busy and sometimes, sadly, simplicity doesn't come easy.

Today I'm sharing with you a simple breathing technique that I've been using this year.  It calms, it soothes, it takes away the craziness for awhile.  You can do this anywhere, and afterwards you may just find it a little easier to find simplicity.

I learned this technique from  Dr. Andrew Weil's  website.  Dr. Weil calls this technique "a natural tranquilizer for the nervous system."

After you read through each step, I invite you to close your eyes and complete the breathing exercise.  

And now, my little gift to you:

This is called the 4-7-8 Exercise, or sometimes called the Relaxing Breath.

1. "Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.

2. Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.

3.  Hold your breath for a count of seven.

4. Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound, to a mental count of eight."

That cycle is considered one breath.  Believe me, you can not do this too many times.  Repeat as many times, and as often as you'd like.  The more you do this breathing exercise, the more relaxing it becomes. Ahhh simplicity....what could be more simple than just breathing?