I have a talent. I can turn off my nose. If there is an unpleasant smell, I just shut off that part of my brain and nose and quit breathing. Whether a smelly child, a stinky diaper, bad breath, public bathrooms, curdled milk, vomit or body odor, I quit breathing. Great talent, eh? Well, yes, in those circumstances. But what about everyday life?
Until recently, I hadn't realized I had been functioning with very shallow breaths. My breathing had been on the surface and so had my life.
I had the privilege of going to a retreat last week. I learned how to reconnect my mind with my body through yoga. I learned how to listen to my body. I learned how to breathe through pain to relieve my physical pain. I learned how to recognize the little things. I learned how to breathe again. And it is beautiful and glorious!
