Breathe Through Turmoil
Your breath.
Life-sustaining. Yet it’s easy to take breathing for granted. Take a guess how many times you breathe in a day. If you guessed 22,000 rounds of breath, you’re right.
When was the last time you thought about your breath? Experts agree that the quality of your breath impacts the quality of your life. Makes sense.
Put on your oxygen mask first and then help others
Paying attention to, and taking care of your breathing is one of the most caring things you can do for your body and mind.
Shallow Breathing
When we are under stress, we tend to shallow breathe or constrict our breathing in some way. If left unchecked, these habits can negatively impact the body and mind.
Mindful breathing
When we are calm, relaxed and mindful, our breathing signals to our body that all is well. We shift from fight or flight to digest and rest, resulting in deeper rounds of breath.
I offer this 3C Breathwork Technique as your oxygen mask. It’s easy to remember and can be done just about anywhere: At your desk. In your car when you’re stuck in traffic or waiting for the bridge to lower. Before your big presentation. On your way to the breakroom.
By putting on your oxygen mask first, you ARE able to help others, whether they are a seatmate, client, boss, colleague, child, parent, or friend.
3C Breathwork
First Breath: Inhale and exhale.
Breathe in and out, very naturally and gently. With your mind’s eye, follow your breath as it leaves your body.
Second Breath: Inhale, acknowledge and exhale.
Acknowledge that space between the Inhale and the Exhale.
For example, picture a rollercoaster car at the very top of the track, right before riders descend. It’s that moment where you feel you could fly.
Third Breath: Inhale, acknowledge, and empty the balloons on the exhale.
For this breath, your job is to not only acknowledge the space as you did in the second breath but to imagine emptying the air out of your lungs. Picture two balloons of any color or design if that’s easier!
Repeat two more cycles.
Where is your mind now?
How do you feel? Perhaps you feel a greater sense of calm and centeredness than you did before.
There are 1440 minutes in each day and we spend on average 940 minutes awake. Can you carve out 3 minutes to breathe in a mindful way?
Think of the benefits!
With love and gratitude,
Susan
About Susan and 3C Clarity
Susan Tompkins is an Intuitive Life Coach, creator of Energy Art, and self-declared Sacred Rebel. The 3Cs of Clarity — circles, coaching, and change are offered to help Women live their Best Life. Inspired by Maine’s woods and waters, Susan conducts workshops, healing circles, 1:1 coaching sessions, and guided meditations for those seeking clarity.
