|
Mid-week Inspiration, Have you ever thought about your breath? Breath is, for at least the vast majority of us, the cornerstone of life. We breathe in, we breathe out. No effort, no struggle, in fact no conscious activity at all. It is taken for granted, the most basic and fundamental activity we partake of, yet the cornerstone of life.
Days, even weeks of my life have gone by and not a thought was given to my breath, yet it was there, the gift of life.
Breath is crucial to excellence; it is probably the single most critical element in all personal training. When we think about it for even a moment we see the importance of breath to the singer, to the dancer and to the athlete. Years ago when I attended college for actors, between one half and a full hour a day was devoted to breath development.
Golfers, hunters, martial artists, even artists use their breath to control the fine movements of their bodies. Therapists, counselors and healers emphasize the importance of breathe control in the management of emotions. For yoga and meditation breath remains the first concern.
Breath is good for digestion, for posture, for concentration and for relaxation. Yet it remains for most of us most of the time forgotten and taken for granted.
When we think of our gratitude for this Christmas season gone, do we consider the gift of life, our breath. Breath is truly where gratitude starts. I can assure you that in any moment when you were feeling anything but gratitude you were not conscious of your breath. I also feel safe in saying that any time you were feeling gratitude your breath was an important part of that feeling. In fact just by becoming conscious of our breath we open the door to a greater sense of calm and there, in our calm, is where we find our gratitude.
Now is the time for most goal setters to review their goals and resolutions. Right now I am reviewing my goals of the past year, my achievements and my work yet to do. And it all begins with gratitude; it all begins with this breath of life that is free for the taking.
Whatever you call it, however you relate to it, may this Infinite Life, this gift of breath be cherished by you in this year 2006. Many Blessings, 
|
