Days and weeks can pass without my giving a thought to the fact that I am constantly breathing. But occasionally I become conscious of my respiratory system on the job working for me. It’s a good feeling to be aware of having the ability to breathe in deeply. At such moments, I am filling myself not only with oxygen but also with gratitude for being alive and healthy.
There is scientific evidence that shows deep breathing is one of the best ways there is to deal with stress. While breathing in deeply from the diaphragm, inhale through the nose for four counts, hold the breath for four counts, breathe out deeply through the mouth for four counts, pause for four counts, repeat four times. Inhaling through the nose is especially important since nitrous oxide is inhaled with every breath. This is a free and natural way to generate tranquility.
Being aware of nature can also bring about peace of mind. Snow falling as evening comes on, thunder rumbling in the distance on a hot summer afternoon, waves breaking rhythmically on the shore, rain pattering on the window at night are all experiences that I have found to be soothing. In such moments, I am not engaged in anything the world might consider productive; all I am doing is being conscious of what is happening around me. By simply being present in the moment, I am open to what life is bringing me. For all too short a time, I am not concerned with what I have or haven’t done in the past, with what I want or need to do in the present, with what might or might not happen in the future. All that matters is right now.
Thích Nhat Hạnh has said, “Life is available only in the present moment.” When I remember to breathe mindfully and/or observe nature with my full attention, I have found this is also true for attaining a sense of calmness.
David James Madden