09-Dec-2010

Be Still My Heart

Breathe into Quiet

These days it’s not enough just to sit down for a moment to take a breather. In a restaurant, at the office, even in your own home, information bombards you, asking to be read, listened to, interpreted and decided upon. The effect is that when you sit, even in the absence of any input, it takes your body a while to shut down the channels that are open to receiving these electric, sometimes emotional pulses.

Do it anyway. Give yourself time to let the storm pass. Most importantly, tune into the body. Breathe deeply. Notice any involuntary movement and placidly direct the breath to whisk away the uncontrolled reflex. Wait. Don’t move your attention until you feel calm. Once you’ve done this everywhere in your body that needs attention, focus on your heart. Let the breath find its rhythm. And now, having surrendered all other unintentional movements to that of your inner metronome, rise, ready to play your tune for the world.

Recommended Read: A Deep Breath of Life: Daily Inspiration for Heart-Centered Living