Close your eyes and take a deep breath.
And another one.
Feel your ribs expand as your lungs fill themselves with air, then feel them contract as you exhale.
Another deep breath.
No, that wasn’t the beginning of a yoga class. That was me trying to make you aware of something we do so naturally at each moment that we take it for granted.
Do you realize what a blessing it is to not have to consciously think about breathing? That our bodies and minds silently and relentlessly do the work for us?
When was the last time you stopped to be thankful and appreciative?
Consider the rest of your life, as well. Consider everything you’re going through, good and bad. Are you able to recognize the blessings being poured out to you amidst it all?
When was the last time you paused and took it all in?
With the holidays around the corner, I urge you to take some time out for yourself, to get back in touch with everything you are, and to be thankful for all things and people in your life, no matter the trouble they may be causing.
You’re alive, you’re well, you’re breathing. That’s more than what a lot of people can say. Go do something with the time and the gifts you’ve been given. Go be a blessing for someone else. Whatever goes around, comes around, and you won’t regret it.
Photo by: Belén Alemán / Point Bonita Lighthouse, California, USA
belén/alemán 