Breathe, Just Breathe.

Sometimes we find ourselves in a spot we don’t wish to be. Perhaps there is a circumstance in your life that has caused you pain. Perhaps you’ve been enduring a prolonged trial of life. Perhaps you’ve brought something upon yourself. No matter what the reason, or how, there is always something you can do.

Breathe.

You may be thinking that breathing isn’t much of an action, as I once did, but I can assure you it is. A friend gave me a visual to think of while I breathe, and it’s really helped me. Essentially, you breathe in every hurt and frustrating thought, and release it from your body as you exhale. First, sit in a chair and plant your feet on the ground. Now, as you start to breathe, visualize the breath moving from the bottom of your feet moving up through your body, all the way up to your head. Last, as you slowly exhale, push and release it out into the ground beneath your feet. It may help to visualize an accordion expanding and contracting.

Breathe again.

Why stop to breathe? Imagine trying to drive with a flat tire; moving at a top speed of 10mph. Isn’t it better to stop, change the tire, and get moving again at highway speeds? You need to pause for a moment and change the tire. It will actually take less time, overall, to arrive at your destination if you choose to do that. 

Deep breathing has also been proven to be stress-relieving and positively affects your brain, heart, digestion, and immune systems. I can personally attest to how breathing helps you release things you’ve been holding onto. We tend to do that sometimes, don’t we? We aren’t designed for that.

In Psalm 46:10, God tells us to “be still, and know that I am God.” 

As you start to breathe, I encourage you to “be still”. You’ll find that God has always been there and is meeting you right where you are.