Free Yourself from Your Reactions

Mindfulness Talk

Of course, we all know that breathing can relax us, slow us down, center us. In yoga, breathing is called Pranayama and it’s the ending of this word (ayama) 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.

Here’s something even more empowering: you don’t have to do this just in the moment! Begin your day by choosing one type of interaction - just one - in which to intentionally breathe. Maybe it’s a particular person that’s been causing you irritation, or a particular time of day that’s been stressful, or a particular type of conversation that always seems to come up. Envision yourself breathing during that moment, and envision feeling the freedom from it. Space to choose your reaction.

See why I love this idea of breath setting us free? And it’s really more than just an idea. It’s a practice. It’s a commitment. Ready to make your breath intention for today?

Meditation

Finding Present Meditation:

Perhaps use this breeze video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WK25liGte9g

Imagine a bubble around you - as far as you can reach to the sides and overhead. Now imagine that bubble filled with breath or breeze. Just imagine the bubble and breathe within this space.

When you are ready, open your eyes and end here.  Or, begin the mindfulness meditation.

Mindfulness Meditation:

Note: Choose one type of interaction for this meditation. Your goal is to create a “breath intention” for today.

Imagine a white screen in front of you. On that white screen, like a movie playing, envision the interaction that you chose. Now envision intentionally setting up that invisible bubble around yourself - as far as you can reach. You can still see and hear the white screen interaction, but now it’s through your breath bubble. Just imagine the bubble and breathe within this space. Continue until the white screen interaction fades away.

Now just breathe and enjoy the freedom and space. And know that through this breath intention, you have now chosen freedom for how you wish to react.

Closing Routine:

When you are ready, rub fingers together and take three cleansing breaths. Or use any closing routine that works for you.