It is one of the most important and often the least recognized parts of living as a human being--breathing.
There is little wonder why many different kinds of exercises focus so much time and energy on breathing. Anyone who's studied singing knows that breathing is essential to learning how to sing. Women who are pregnant learn to focus on their breathing to help lessen the pain and stress of giving birth. And meditations often stress focusing on breathing as a way to destress and relax.
If we are unable to breathe, we will die.
Sometimes breathing is about more than just taking air in and out of our bodies; sometimes it is about giving ourselves space to simply be ourselves. Sometimes it's about the need for freedom. "I Can't Breathe" has become a rallying cry against oppression and racism. The wind is sometimes referred to as the breath of god or gods, and in poetry, it becomes the spirit of those who have departed this life returning to remind or comfort us.
And yet, very often, we forget how important it is.
Don't forget to take some time to reflect on your breaths--to realize the power within them. Remind yourself of the fragility of life, and remember to be grateful for each breath you have taken and will take.
And when you are feeling stressed out or overwhelmed by all that life is throwing at you, take a moment to simply breathe--in and out.
In.
Out.
You can come back to everything else, but breathing is important.
Remember to Breathe.
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