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Breathing is something we do every day, every minute; mostly without even thinking about it. So why is it when we become stressed, we forget to breathe? Something so innate; something biologically instilled in us since the day we are born; we forget the simple act of breathing when we become consumed with rage, fear or stress. Do you forget to breathe when you become stressed? But you might say, “of course I breathe. If I didn’t, I would cease to exist.” True, but do you breathe mindfully?
I have learned through Buddhism, particularly from Zen Buddhism, about mindfulness. When something becomes stressful to me, whether at home or at work, I have to pause for a few moments or minutes and bring myself to the present time. Not thinking about what happened or what I’m supposed to do, or what will happen if I do “A” and not “B” and all the other hypothetical questions and situations that take me away from the present moment. When you breathe mindfully, it brings you to the present moment where there is no worry or stress. It’s just that moment. It is a moment and then that moment will pass and a new one will begin.
Some people when they are stressed at work need to get up and walk away from the problem to clear their mind. This can be good if you know how to do walking meditation and can go for a quick walk to bring you back to reality. You can also sit at your desk and breathe mindfully instead of choosing to become stressed, angry or worrisome.
I am often amazed how as an adult, time moves very quickly in general. One day we’re saying “Happy New Year” then next we’re saying “Happy New Year” all over again and find ourselves asking where the year went. When you practice mindfulness, it’s like pressing the “pause” button on your DVD player and enjoying the moment away from distraction. When you stop to breathe, you live in that moment – not the past, not the future, but now.
Next time you have your coffee or tea, stop and don’t think. Just live. Just breathe.
Green Tea Karma 