The Friendliest Relationship

‘I stopped waiting for the world to give me what I wanted;

I started giving it to myself.’

Byron Katie

Winter Ocean Swimmer, Little Cove

Do you have a way you like to begin your day? I’ve been experimenting with a little addition to my morning routine this week. Nothing fancy. For 8 minutes I lay down and visualize the diaphragm muscle beneath my lungs. I bring awareness to this muscle contracting downward as my lungs fill with air. I stay tuned as the muscle relaxes upward and the lungs empty. I let the breath expand my rib cage - sides, front, back. I keep my attention lightly following my breath around this part of my body.

Diaphragm

On the physical level this diaphragmatic breathing sets a reminder to the body of how I want to breathe throughout the day. It also sends my nervous system a signal of safety which in turn allows a release of muscle tension.

On the mental level taking time to breathe fully each morning affirms my commitment to treat myself with care and respect. It reinforces the friendly relationship I am cultivating with my self and the sense of my body as my great ally.

Enjoying a walk around Noosa this morning I noticed my inhalation expanding my mid back and experienced a softening of tension between my shoulders. Aaaahhh… The yogic practice of breath work (pranayama) highlights that each of us will take a certain number of breaths in this lifetime. The number is uncertain but the quality and attention we bring to each breath is up to us. We can expand our embrace of life in this very moment by taking a full, deep inhalation followed by a long slow exhalation. This practice is always available to us whatever the circumstance we are experiencing. Enjoy, Pru x

Little Cove to Noosa