2016 Word of the Year: Breathe

breatheSigh.

I sigh a lot.

So much so that people I have been around at different times in my life will say, what’s wrong?

I am like, um, nothing.

But you just sighed.

I did not.

Yes, you did.

Ok … so I have this thing — I sigh.  A lot.

I never really attached any meaning to it … just thinking to myself; ok, I guess I must sigh a lot.  So what.

Until I had the opportunity to go to an acupuncturist a few years ago.

While doing the preliminary intake interview, he mentioned to me, do you realize you sigh a lot.

I said, so I have been told.

He asked, do you know why you do that?

I said, I guess it’s some sort of reaction to something I am thinking about subconsciously or something.

He said, no.  You sigh because you have developed a shallow breaths breathing pattern. Your body is forcing a sigh to ensure it gets enough oxygen to function properly.

Imagine that … breath.  One of life’s most basic functions … respiration.  And for 50+ years, I still don’t know how to do it right.  HA!

Oxygen is huge when it comes to the body.  We can live weeks without food, a few days without water, but only a few minutes without oxygen.

Oxygen is responsible for processing foods and liquids into energy.  It contracts our muscles, repairs our cells, feeds our brains and even calms our nerves.

For 2016, I am most interested in the last two … helping my brain work better and forcing my body to relax.  The other two will happen by osmosis.

I have to admit, I am not one who always reacts positively in a crisis.  I have spun my wheels, panicked, gotten angry, and thrown pity parties … all to no reasonable positive conclusion.

During the times when I have consciously walked away from a critical situation and given myself time to think and to ruminate (breathe), I find answers come more easily, making sense out of the situation, and are beneficial for moving forward.

You would think that when I found something that worked, I would develop it into a habit.

In this case, not so much.  ::giggle::

Mastering the science of breathing, I believe, will help me establish a more resilient life.

That is what I seek.

I am not so naive as to believe life is without pain.  I live with struggles.  My struggles might pale in comparison to other’s suffering; however, I have to wage battles and claim victories over my own losses and tragedies every single day.

Why wouldn’t I want to figure out a way to handle that better?

Breath.  Could it really be that simple?

I am going to find out.  I plan to spend the year developing the art (and science) of breathing.

My focus will be not only on the benefits of breathing physically, but using breath to move forward with positivity, courage and thoughtfulness.

I will learn to carve out moments in every hour of every day where I can … inhale … exhale … and breathe.

I love the power of videos and have created one to memorialize my Word of the Year. You can view it here.

2 Comments on 2016 Word of the Year: Breathe

  1. Jo Ann says:

    Yep. I did the same thing. My girls will vouch for that. I think mine was caused by stress but you saying it becomes a habit is amazing! When I sigh its like opening the little valve on a pressure cooker. I felt better immediately. I learned from midwives a deep breath is a cleansing breath. Makes the body relax. This was very informative. Thanks!

    • Biz Buzz says:

      Yes! That is why when you do yoga, they emphasize the whole action of breathing. Watch out Jo Ann … 2016 is going to be our year! Will the world be ready? ::giggle::

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