BREATHE
Breathing deeply helps us become more mindful of our bodies and our surroundings. It enables us to connect more fully with the world around us, and to appreciate more deeply its beauty and complexity…
Imagine you’re wandering along the beach and you’ve found a place that feels comfortable to stop and spend some time connecting with and experiencing nature. If you haven’t already, silence your mobile phone. Take a look around and bring your awareness to the space you are in.
You may feel a bit ridiculous at first, but it will soon become normal…
Take a long deep breath in. Really breathe into your diaphragm and then very slowly breathe out. Do this a few times until you begin to relax a little. Now, as you breathe in, gather the energy that surrounds you. As you breathe out, let go of any negativity, tiredness, anxiety. Really take your time.
I’m going to admit, it’s at this point I sometimes feel the need to have a little cry. Apparently this is completely normal, so let it out. I’m sure you will experience other feelings too, overwhelming joy, maybe a burning in your chest. Notice these sensations as you allow them to pass. Continue deep breathing until you feel ready to move on.
This might be enough for you to become more aware of yourself and your connection to the world around you, but you could take things a little further. Bring your attention back to the environment you are in. Engage your senses and focus on one aspect of the world around you at a time.
What you focus on is up to you, but you might consider what the temperature of the air feels like, how does it feel as you draw it in? How does the ground feel beneath your feet or to touch? What can you hear? What around you is moving? What can you smell? What colours stand out to you?
Now you are ready to explore and connect…