Permission to Breathe | Roots of Radiance Reiki

Breathing. We all do it all the time.

We sometimes don’t even think about this thing that keeps us going.

We forget about this simple thing that has so much power in our life.

Growing up, when I became really emotional or stressed my mom would remind me to breathe. She gave me permission.

In college, when I was feeling overwhelmed by finals, I hung signs all over my apartment that reminded me to “Breathe”. I helped myself remember.

When I started practicing yoga, I learned how to synchronize my breath with my body movement. I introduced more movement to my breathwork.

I led a workshop where we facilitated communal deep breathing exercise before continuing to address our biases. Together we deepened our breath and melted the tension.

As I started meditating, breathwork became my guide. I let the breath be move me during the challenging stillness.

Now, without really thinking about it, if I become triggered by something, I deepen my breath. I let myself breathe audibly.

Sometimes I forget. I hold my breath or breathe shallowly. When I notice this, I immediately course correct and take a few deep breaths.

I lovingly give myself permission to breath loudly out of my mouth.

I lovingly give myself permission to hold my breath momentarily before letting it out.

I lovingly give myself permission to use my breath to heal myself.

Not that you need it but, you have permission, too.

3 Easy Deep Breathing Techniques

In the beginning, this might make us feel silly, so be someplace you feel comfortable.

Remember this is about feeling good, so make adjustments that feel right.

Resistance is real. Notice if resistance comes up and if you can breath through it.

Noticing Our Breath:

Notice how you are breathing right now.

You do not need to change anything, just notice.

Become aware of your breath.

As you move through the world, notice your breath. Is it constantly short and shallow when you drive or shop? Is it held when checking your SM? Is it deep while you shower? How’s your breathing at work?

The first step is to notice, to observe. Then we can begin to introduce changes. We can begin to feel, slow and deepen our breath.

Feel Our Breath:

Place both your hands on your upper chest, just above your breasts.
Breathe deeply through your nose (or mouth if that feels more comfortable) and you feel your hands rise (this will be pretty sudul).
Breathe out through your mouth and feel your top hand settle.
Continue this practice for at least 3 breath cycles.