Faith Hill and a lesson in breathing

When Faith Hill sings the words to the song, "Breathe," she made famous in 1999, I'm sure she wasn't referring to yoga breaths.

"Just breathe," she sings, referring to the love of her life.

"The whole world just fades away," she says, only hearing the beating of his heart, not her own. Such a beautiful love song, and also stereotypical about how we get caught up in other people's lives -- sometimes at the detriment to our own.

"Just breathe" has a different meaning for me since I started taking yoga a year ago. Now beginning to see the effects as it automatically, yet gently, brings me back to a safe place during times of stress, I see this time to stop and breathe as another form of the bike ride.

Taking time to "just breathe" is my time. It's time for me to stop and be present where I'm at in that moment. It's not about anyone else -- not a lover, not a spouse, not the children. It's not about an argument, a mistake, a worry.

Just breathe. Just me. The two phrases can be interchanged.

Don't worry, it's not an ego thing. It's a self-care thing. For the remainder of this week, when you run into some challenge, something that upsets you, even if only slightly, see if you can remember to stop and take time to breathe deep breaths. In and out. Just for you.

JUST FOR FUN
When you hear the words to a favorite song of yours, what phrase most sticks out in your mind. What thoughts does it conjure up?

Remember to breathe

It's not as obvious as it sounds.

When your life is going at what seems like 95 miles per hour...you have to put gas in the car, but forgot your wallet at home, now you're late for that meeting, there's a line at the convenience mart that stretches out the door, your sister called and wants you to take her to the airport at lunchtime ("Did you remember you promised?"), and on and on...you can forget to breathe.

Or at least it might feel like it. Suddenly, you realize you need to slow down.

Parents didn't create those "time outs" for nothing.

Yoga doesn't exist for no reason.

Meditation isn't popular just because someone said it should be.

There's good reason to remember to slow down and take a few breaths.

I'm doing that today. How about you?