Join the Spiritual Thursday round up at Reading, Teaching, Learning.
During an exercise class, the instructor says, “Don’t forget to breathe,” as if you could actually forget. This seems like a silly instruction, but nine times out of ten, I realize at the moment she says it, I am holding my breath.
In yoga, I am learning breath is the most important thing. The teacher says, “Get in tune with the rhythm of your yoga breath.” I place my hands on my belly and feel it rise. Deep breathing relieves the tensions of my day.
Breath control is used to alleviate pain. I had a procedure done recently that required an IV (no worries, I am fine), and the nurse had a hard time finding a vein. That is so painful. I was using my Lamaze breath. The nurse noticed. It’s been almost 25 years since my youngest child was born, but I still remember how to breathe through pain.
In church, we sing a hymn, “Breathe on me, breath of God. Fill me with life anew. That I may love what Thou dost loved, and do what thou wouldst do.”
I believe in the power of breathing. The calm healing that oxygen brings in. Breath moves within me as the spirit moves. Taking in, I call God, “Abba.” Letting go, I say, “Amen.”
Focusing on a mantra, breathing the words that recall God to me, I can be fully present with whatever the stress may be.
Reflections on the Teche 
Breathing in and letting go is a such a wonderful way to let go of stress. The music you provided is so soothing that I want to take it into my heart and not let go. Abba-Amen is a pray to remember when the stress builds. I hope you and your students are mending after the news of last week. As one of the priests said a few weeks ago, “Not our plan-God’s plan.”