JUST BREATHE

"Our breath is the bridge from our body to our mind." Thich Nhat Hahn.

Breathing, the simple act of inhaling and exhaling, focusing on our breath, the speed of our breath, slowing it down, warming it up, letting it make a sound as it comes out of us is a key to learning to reconnect with ourselves, other's, and our God.

Standing and watching is another way of reconnecting to ourselves, other's and God. Give yourself permission to go on a mission of watching. Watch for five minutes your backyard or patio area. See what you are missing. Explore with your eyes the movement, color changes, insects, birds, rabbits, hawks, and the nothing that becomes something as you watch with the intent of seeing.

Sitting and Moving is another way to connect with yourself and your senses. Sit and inhale, with the intention of smelling. Inhale the aroma of vanilla; change it to baked apple pie, to fried chicken, and now to the soft scent of gardenias. Stretch your legs out as far as you can. Imagine that you are in a swing like a child and touch the sky with your toes. Crunch up your face into the ugliest face you can imagine, relax it slowly and notice what you experience. Pretend your abs are a six-pack. Flex your muscle. Tighten your whole body and relax it slowly. See your really can sit and move with intention all at one time.

Touch and Explore is another way of connecting with what you already know. Now you can know in a different way. Walk through your home and choose at random five objects. Don't think about it-just do it! Take those objects to a comfortable location; get your crayons from the above exercise and paper. Close your eyes and spend at least three minutes touching one of the objects. Notice the texture, feel, warmth or coolness; what does it remind you of? Touch every inch of the object and explore it as if it is the most precious jewel you have ever picked up. Now with your eyes still closed pick a few crayons and color the object. Repeat this exercise with all five objects.

Now you are learning the real art of mindfulness.
"The point?" You ask. "The point?" I answer.