Who Am I?
"This magnificent refuge is inside you. Enter.
Shatter the darkness that shrouds the doorway.
Close your eyes and follow your breath to the still place that leads
to the invisible path that leads you home.”
St. Teresa of Avila
I am a magnificent refuge, an invisible friend, a vehicle for wellness.
Who am I?
I am your breath.
Hi.
It's nice to meet you. I am inside you. I keep you alive and well. I work all day long. My rhythm and pace are effortless.
However, sometimes, I notice you get anxious, and then I speed up. You may feel your heart beating faster. When this happens, remember me. I'm here. Take a big inhale, fill your belly all the way up, hold for a second, and then exhale very slowly. Go ahead and try it right now. Repeat it three times.
How do you feel?
Don't worry if it feels awkward or difficult. New things take practice.
I want you to know you can count on me. If life feels overwhelming, seek me. I am your magnificent refuge!
If you are having a bad day, visit, and we can work it out together. I am your invisible friend.
I will take you on a journey to a healthy life: mind, body, and spirit. I am a vehicle for wellness.
Sincerely,
Your Breath
In December, I gave myself a gift, The Miracle of Breath Course offered by Spirituality and Practice. It was simple yet powerful. Each session included different aspects of the breath and a simple practice. Here are several quotes from the course that stood out to me.
The Magnificent Refuge
"This magnificent refuge is inside you. Enter.
Shatter the darkness that shrouds the doorway ...
Close your eyes and follow your breath to the still place that leads to the invisible path that leads you home.” St. Teresa of Avila
The Invisible Friend
"So why not get more acquainted with this invisible friend? You can turn to him/her when you wish to take a break; calm down; perhaps lower your blood pressure or pulse; assess your mood and energy level; stop a destructive or useless thought pattern; become aware of the richness of the moment; take a meditative or prayerful pause to reconnect with the All."
A Vehicle for Wellness
Mind: "You can also use the breath as a vehicle for your general intentions, whether for gratitude, presence, joy, or energy."
Body: "If you have a part of your body that is aching, tight, or fatigued, you can imagine breathing in and out of that place (your left leg, for example), using the breath to carry healing energy, to release pain and tension, or just create more spaciousness."
Spirit: "Use your breath as a vehicle for your sacred intentions."
In the new year, I am challenging myself to return to what's essential in all aspects of my life.
I am starting with the breath.
I encourage you to try it, too! Here is one way…
A Breath Prayer: The Divine Breath of God Dwells Within You.
Inhale: Fill your whole being with the Peace of God.
Exhale: Whatever is holding you back from God or Peace.
Happy New Year! And remember…
Breathe in The New Year.
It's here 2024! Take a moment. Breathe. It. In.
AND
Breathe in The New Year.
Set aside time each day and intentionally breathe.
Walking the Journey with You,
MeganPrayer for January:
Dear God,
Thank you for the gift of the Divine Breath that resides within me. You have given me a magnificent refuge, an invisible friend, and a vehicle for wellness. Remind me that I can tap into my breath at any moment to feel Your peace and presence. Maybe I let go of all that holds me back from trusting in You. Amen
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