WYSIWYG

What You See Is What You Get. This is a journal blog, an explore-blog, a bit of this and that blog. Sharing where the mood takes me. Perhaps it will take you too.

Menorise [men-oh-rIse]; the condition of inculcation

Image copyrighted to Alexander MacLean - Colonsay, Hebrides (Ta, dad!)

B R E A T H E !


We so often let it happen unnoticed and unattended.  We only pay that attention when it is interfered with, interrupted, threatened in some way.

The vary basis of biological life is breath.  No air, no anything.

What is more, this is the easiest medium to recognise our connection to the whole of nature.  The very blades of grass respirate. The trees drink what we expel and return it to us without charge, dry-cleaned and usable again.  Even the rocks take in the atmosphere. Scientists can tell you the state of play at any point in the planet's history by checking the molecular structure of the rocks.

EARTH BREATHS.  We know what it feels like to choke.  Now think about the Mother which cradles you.

Pay your respects.  Stop and feel Her.  Share Her air.  Stand in a clear and open space. Spread your feet and loosen your arms and shoulders.  Close your eyes and slowly, counting to five as you do, draw an inwards breath.  Let it fill the entire lung, not just your upper chest.  If you are a 'shoulder breather' this will feel like hard work to begin with!

Hold that breath for the count of five.  Release the whole lungful over the count of five and again remain empty for the count of five.

The count should be as in seconds (one thousand, two thousand).  No haste.

It will take practice.  Once you have mastered this, the cycle will become natural.  You will feel relaxed and alive.  

BREATHE!

4 comments:

  1. First, I saw the word "Hebrides" and wept. I've always, always, always wanted to go there.
    Now I'll go back and read something other than the photo credit. You may expect a second comment from me.
    K

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  2. I sleep with an apnea machine. I have never been a good breather. If I could loosen my arms and shoulders, I would, but I cannot, try as I will. Probably how I developed sleep apnea, being a poor breather. One of Mom's MacKenzie cousins tried to teach me how to relax. She had me lie down on the floor, in the middle of a family party, but in a side room, and said, "Now relax your toes."
    "Sheila," said I, "if I could relax my toes, I could relax the rest of myself, but my toes and I don't communicate."
    Dear Sheila was a darling, but a spinster school teacher and inclined to know best. Her brother Ian still sends me funny e-mails from time to time. Their cousin Munro MacKenzie died last year, and we all miss him. He used to wear the MacKenzie tartan to family gatherings, until some crooks robbing his pharmacy shot his leg to smithereens. After that, he wore tartan trews.
    So, between the photo of Colonsay and the relaxing and breathing, you've distracted me nicely. Today was one of those days I'd rather not have had.
    Oh, and my doctor gave me the same instructions about counting, but he said ten, not five. Most mysterious. I feel somewhat relaxed on the outgoing breath, but when I breathe in again, I stiffen up.
    You're right about breathing, though, such a useful thing to do.
    Luv, K


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  3. Hari OM
    Hi Kay! Never say never... the Hebrides are very patient!

    I reckon proper breathing ought to be taught as part of physical education. Those who attended singing or elocution classes will have been given diapraghmatic instruction, but the rest of humanity is judged to be able to work it out for themselves!

    As an asthmatic I found amazing benefit from the breathing exercises my singing teacher gave and have lived by that ever since. The count is my own choice for those for whom I cannot have any continued connection. Longer counts are fine once one has established a natural pattern at the "five thousand" count. As you are well aware, I am sure, it's exercise like any other and requires some getting into!!! Don't give up on it - you may get a surprise. &*> YAM xx

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  4. I remember being taught proper breathing as a child to help deal with chronic asthma in the days before inhalers. I'm sorry to say I've become lazy with advancing age so thanks for the wake-up call, Yam.

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