Savor the Sacred Breathe

As April emerges, washing ashore the gentle blossoms of spring, we prepare to honor the beauty of words through National Poetry Month.

Just as the tides ebb and flow, so too do our daily actions, with tiny, subtle movements weaving together the tapestry of our lives.

These small, yet transformative actions are known as micro habits, the delicate steps that guide us toward our dreams and aspirations.

This month, I invite you to embrace a sacred micro habit to Breathe.

Poetry, akin to the breath, is a delicate dance upon the waves, a harmony of rhythm and emotion that reveals the depths of our human experience.

Breathe to nourish your soul and ignite your creative spirit.

Breathe to navigate the unexpected currents of parenthood.

Breathe for presence and inner peace.

By savoring each inhalation and exhalation, we honor the sacred rhythm of life that flows through us, connecting our innermost essence to the boundless expanse of existence.

To embark on this journey, follow these gentle steps:

1. Find a quiet, comfortable space where you can pause and be present, like a secluded beach at the brink of a vast ocean.
2. Close your eyes, allowing the world to soften and the waves of your senses to gently recede.
3. Inhale deeply, acknowledging the gift of life bestowed upon you like the soothing caress of an ocean breeze.
4. Exhale slowly, releasing all that no longer serves your highest good, like the receding tide carrying away driftwood.
5. With each breath, savor the serenity that envelops your being, allowing your soul to dance with the rhythm of life like a graceful dolphin gliding through the waves.

As you explore the depths of your own breath, allow your spirit to wander through the vast ocean of breathing techniques.

As you cultivate this micro habit of breathing throughout National Poetry Month, observe how the ebb and flow of your breath inspires your creativity.

To further enrich your experience, I encourage you to explore the works of beloved poets and share your own creations with fellow seekers in our Harvard-Westlake Mindfulness Club.

Together, let’s weave a tapestry of words, an ocean of breaths, and a celebration of the beauty that resides within us all.

Inhale the essence of life, exhale the poetry of your soul.

With love and whispers of the sea,

The Art of Breathing

Sacred Breath of Life Worksheet:

• Step 1: Research different breathing techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing, alternate nostril breathing, and 4-7-8 breathing. (see descriptions of the various breaths below)
• Step 2: Select a technique that resonates with you and practice it daily, tracking your progress.
• Step 3: Observe the changes in your physical, emotional, and mental well-being as you cultivate mindful breathing.
• Step 4: Reflect on the ways conscious breathing has enhanced your resilience and presence on your entrepreneurial path.

Diaphragmatic Breathing (Belly Breathing):

Diaphragmatic breathing encourages full oxygen exchange, slows the heartbeat, and helps stabilize blood pressure. To practice this technique, follow these steps:

1. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
2. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen.
3. Inhale slowly through your nose, allowing your abdomen to rise as you fill your lungs with air.
4. Exhale slowly through your mouth, letting your abdomen fall naturally.
5. Repeat for several breaths, focusing on expanding your abdomen rather than your chest.

Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana Pranayama):

This technique balances the left and right hemispheres of the brain, promotes mental clarity, and reduces stress. To practice alternate nostril breathing, follow these steps:

1. Sit in a comfortable position with a straight spine.
2. Using your right hand, place your thumb on your right nostril and your ring finger on your left nostril.
3. Close your right nostril with your thumb and inhale through your left nostril.
4. Close your left nostril with your ring finger, release your thumb, and exhale through your right nostril.
5. Inhale through your right nostril, close it with your thumb, release your ring finger, and exhale through your left nostril.
6. This completes one cycle. Repeat for several cycles, maintaining a smooth, steady breath.

4-7-8 Breathing (Relaxing Breath):

This technique helps to calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. To practice 4-7-8 breathing, follow these steps:

1. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
2. Close your eyes and exhale fully through your mouth.
3. Inhale quietly through your nose for a count of 4.
4. Hold your breath for a count of 7.
5. Exhale audibly through your mouth for a count of 8.
6. This completes one breath cycle. Repeat for a total of four cycles, gradually increasing the number of cycles as you become more comfortable with the technique.

Box Breathing (Square Breathing):

Box breathing is a powerful stress-relief technique used to enhance focus and calm the mind. To practice box breathing, follow these steps:

1. 1. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position with a straight spine.
   2. Close your eyes and exhale fully through your mouth.
   3. Inhale through your nose for a count of 4.
   4. Hold your breath for a count of 4.
   5. Exhale through your mouth for a count of 4.
   6. Hold the empty breath for a count of 4.
   7. This completes one cycle. Repeat for several cycles, maintaining an even count for each part of the breath.