BREATHE

As technology evolves, as do individuals, practices, and cultures. In modern day, very rarely do we find ourselves alone. And I mean fully alone. From home to anywhere in the world, we are very rarely, solely by ourselves. We find ourselves always connected to our friends, family, and even enemies through technology. We follow our favorite celebrities and athletes, bridging their world to ours, simply through the use of screen. When was the last time you physically sat down, by yourself, simply just breathing?

Happiness is not derived from those around us, but rather is discovered within us. But how can we discover happiness within ourselves, if we are never truly alone? As current society behaves, we feel the need to gain approval from others, check-in to see what our friends are up to, or discover the latest news or gossip. Consider this, when was the last time you have taken the time or went somewhere by yourself and simply just admired your surroundings? Present.

Present is a term that gets tossed around fairly often, but what does it truly mean? Some may judge the individual preaching, “live in the now,” but what he understands, is what all should learn.

Mindfulness. Fully being aware of your surroundings.

Do this for me:

Close the screen(s) around you.

Read with your full, undivided attention.

Inhale a big breath, all the way into your navel, one…two…three…

Hold it: one… two… three…

Let it out slow, one…two…three…

Do you feel more calm?

Take another big breath in…

Now exhale your breath off your tongue like a mellow river

How did that feel? Was your breath warm?

Inhale a third time

This time consider the way the breath felt navigating from your nose or mouth down through your lungs to your navel

As you exhale, direct your mind down your body in a wave like-motion from head-to-toe and discover the way your body feels

What do you smell?

Mindfulness. Taking the environment around you and fully absorbing through your senses.

Gratitude.

Did you enjoy that? The pleasure of fully committing and understanding the often overlooked actions that invoke your senses. I vow you to commit to yourself. Spend at least 15 minutes, stop what you’re doing, disconnect yourself from the world around you. Just breathe. Thank yourself for the air flowing into your lungs. The way your breath flows out of your heart. The sensation you feel in your skin. The ambiance of your surroundings. The smells reflecting off your nostrils. The sounds proceeding through your ear tubes. Let your body and mind fall numb. And breathe.