10 Long Deep Breaths

One of my first yoga teachers and mentors, Syl Carson, would say that on days that she couldn’t muster an active practice, she would try to at least take 10 Long Deep Breaths. Even if she had only done this, she had done some yoga that day. This has sustained me through many-a dark and quiet day. My sister-in-law studies Kundalini yoga and we talk/laugh about possibly the main reason why yoga works is because it gets you to TRULY breathe. Maybe all the other stuff doesn’t really matter - it’s just about the breathing! I really enjoy most of the other stuff, so I’m going probably going to keep doing it, but I know that when I’m in a yoga class and I’m not breathing well, that is when things aren’t as awesome. I get hurt, I stay in my head, I leave feeling funky. When I get stressed or anxious, I notice I'm holding my breath or breathing very shallowly. Just taking the moments to start deeply breathing again eases the feelings. It's kinda magical. (I actually started doing it with my kiddos during mealtime when we were all eating too quickly. We washed our arms up and down slowly as we'd breathe audibly. They loved it! We use it to help them - well, all of us - calm down.) So breathe well, my friends. Even if it’s just 10 long deep ones. Maybe just do it right here, right now. Take a few seconds and really RECEIVE the gift of breath. Inhale peace, exhale tension. 1... 2... 3... 4... 5... 6... 7... 8... 9... 10... Namaste. 

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