Breathing comes natural to us; we hardly think about it as we go about our daily routines. Yet it is our most precious gift that we have until we die and it is freely given us.
During this past week, along the eastern shore of North America, people have had difficulty breathing because of the high temperatures. The extreme heat is wreaking havoc especially on the very young and the elderly. The high use of air conditioners is taxing the hydro system. It actually failed, causing problems for over 175,000 people. The use of fans provides very little relief, although it gives the illusion of providing some help.
In Europe, especially Spain, the extremely high temperatures are causing problems, as well. Other parts of Asia are experiencing the same thing. People with asthmatic conditions and other health related issues are being advised to stay indoors.
I love summer but I wouldn’t wish to experience the high temperatures that these people have to endure at this time. The summers I want to experience would give me the opportunity to spend time outdoors having fun with my puppies and family.
It’s my favorite time to spend in the country, listening and watching the birds and chipmunks while enjoying the refreshing breeze blowing through the trees. More importantly, for me, is spending time near the ocean. I love walking along the beach, listening to the swish of the waves and the call of the seagulls. Combine that with sharing summer fun with friends and family! That is my idea of being healthy! I don’t have to worry about breathing problems due to extremely high temperatures.
How fortunate I am!
In my last blog entry, I reflected on the question: How healthy are you? In this entry I want you to focus your breath. Become aware of what is happening to you when you breathe. Are you in good physical health? Or are you prone to coughs and colds depending on the season? Are you a smoker?
When you get upset over a situation, what happens to your breathing? Oftentimes, people will actually hold their breath and not realize it. Only when their stress is lightened do they begin breathing again. The best remedy, of course, is to become aware that you are not breathing and deep breathe immediately to relieve the stress in the situation. This will take practice.
When you are focusing on your breath, it is important that you have correct posture, as well. Keep the body straight and imagine a silver thread joining the universe to the top of your head. Picture that thread along your backbone, leaving the body through the tailbone and joining the earth. Then breathe in through your nose and breathe out through your slightly opened mouth. It’s so soft that you were you to have a lighted candle in front of you, you would not disturb the flame.
When you take time to breathe deeply and focus on your breath and posture, there are many benefits. Combine this technique with exercise and a healthy diet to help
1. relieve stress
2. increase your energy level
3. relieve fatigue and even pain
4. delay the aging process
5. maintain and build a healthy body
Having a positive mental attitude and a sense of humor will augment the benefits. Combining those with a balanced life style helps tremendously. Spending quality time with your family and friends, as well as yourself, enjoying time communing with nature and listening to your inner self are all ways to creating the life you want to achieve.
In your Quest for Happiness, what do you value? Clean air and environment? A world that promotes peace, prosperity and happiness for all?
Focus on your breathing and take on one thing at a time. Climbing a mountain begins with taking that first step. You can achieve your quest for happiness.
Remember my CD of Relaxation Techniques will help you as part of this Quest.
Until next time, enjoy building up a healthy life for you and your loved ones, and if you live in one of those areas that are experiencing high temperatures right now, stay cool…and remember to breathe.
Bride
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