Thursday, July 17, 2014

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?












7 comments:

AFishGirl said...

What a gift you give here, thank you. I did one. Wow. Thanks. I am writing it on an index card to keep at work and at home. Here's to tranquil.

Carol said...

My sister teaches yoga and i learned this a while ago. It really works to lesson our individual and our collective anxiety. its good for the world!

susan said...

Oh this will come in handy! Thank you! Commencing now… :)

Dotti said...

As I read your post, I couldn't help but think of Kim Klassen who often says, 'Just Breathe'. Having struggled a bit with anxiety, I have learned that breathing techniques do help and I'm happy to learn another effective one. Just breathe, y'all!

kelly said...

I am thinking of all the places and time where I can use this. starting today. thank you judy!!

terriporter said...

Running, running, running all day today and finally get a chance to read this and ahhhh, I am going to sit down right now and breathe. And I know it will do me so much good! Thanks, Judy, for the reminder to just breathe.

Viv@Thoughts from the Desktop said...

Thanks Judy I'm going to try this...

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