Freeing ourselves from reacting

Of course, we all know that breathing can relax us, slow us down, center us. Yoga breathing is often called “pranayama”. But it’s the “ayama” ending that I truly love, because it means “to be set free”.

Breath doesn’t just calm us down, it literally sets us free. By taking a moment to breathe, we are freed of our first reaction. We are freed of our quick over-reaction. We are freed of that hurtful reaction that might pop up. (Which may have been directed at someone or perhaps directed at ourself.) It gives us a moment to step back and choose, instead of our reaction choosing for us.

Imagine if we can begin our day by choosing one type of interaction in which to intentionally breathe. Maybe it’s a particular person, or a particular time of day, or a particular type of conversation. Try envisioning it right now! Close your eyes and envision breathing during that stressful moment and feeling the freedom from it.

See why I love this idea of breath setting us free? And it’s really more than just an idea. It’s literally built right into the word itself: pranayama. I think I’m going to close my eyes right now, and make my breath intention for today.

Until next time,

Laura