Is it possible that shallow breaths make for a shallow life? Science seems to think so. . .
In this caffeinated culture we find ourselves in, it is no wonder why heart rates, blood pressure, and stress are through the roof.
In a recent article, Scientific American went as far as to suggest the following: “From stress reduction and insomnia prevention, to emotion control and improved attention—breathing techniques make life better.”
When you sign up for a life of always achieving, acquiring, and hustling—good breathing is the first thing to go. So, with all that is going on in your world (and the world at large), when is the last time you took a series of deep, intentional breaths?
At Plumline, much of our work begins with the breath. Breathing is paradoxical because you do it involuntarily, but you can also control it. Did you know that the same Greek word in the scriptures that we typically translate “spirit” (pnuema), may also accurately be translated “breath?” In Hebrew, the four consonants that make up the personal name of God (YAHWEH) aren’t meant to be said with the lips or tongue. Instead, when spoken together, those four consonants sound like a breath.
Would you be willing to take a few of these life-giving breaths right now? If so, try this:
- Inhale through the nose for four seconds, and allow the air to fill your belly
- Exhale out the mouth for eight seconds, and allow your shoulders to relax
- Raise your awareness of God’s presence in this moment
- Ask God for what you need, and listen deeply for his response. . .
Did you hear something? Why not write it down?
Did you hear nothing? That’s okay. Keep practicing.
It can be very difficult to reverse shallow patterns of breathing and living, especially if you took on these patterns to survive your life. Yet, how does the old saying go? “What got you here won’t get you there.” Thank goodness you survived your life. Still, life is about more than just surviving. When you begin practicing better breathing, you become aware of the truth of your life.
Plumline helps people just like you discover the truth about their life. We guide individuals deep inside themselves to discover the parts of them that have gotten lost or gone missing along the way. When your strategies for surviving your life stop working, you will begin your search for a better way to live. The hope is that bit by bit, you recover your true and authentic self so you can show up to the people and things who matter most.
When Jesus was asked about the essence of life, this was his response:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and, Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Imagine what life might look like if you had recovered your true self, and you were experiencing undying love with God, self, and others?
If you are dependent on the faithfulness of Christ to finish what he started in your life, this work of love is what He is up to. . .
You can schedule a call with me here if you are actively looking “get your breath back” and reimagine your life.
Here’s to a true and better life,