2024 - Week 40 - Shake it Out and Breathe

Why Struggle? Podcast w Barbara J. Faison

All the links: LINKTR.EE/BarbaraFaison

Week 40 - Shake it Out and Breathe

You can listen to this on my podcast - 7:01 mins or click the link here for the YouTube Channel version (audio only)

This is an episode about breathing.

Well, there is a lot going on in the world isn't there? And we know we can't control anybody else but ourselves, right? What I've learned is sometimes the best response is no response. Trust me I have learned this the hard way… talking way to much. Lol.

It feels like we're able to see so much of other people's lives, because we are. Technology allows us to see what other people are doing, or at least what we think they are doing on many levels. It can be frightening. Whether it's watching someone do a live stream, a short on YouTube, or something on TikTok; we think we know what's happening in other people's lives. Do we, really?

I'm reminding myself more and more to step away from so much of the busyness and noise of daily life. Even if it's stepping outside for five minutes to look at a tree or a flower to take a few breaths. Being in nature is very calming and soothing for the body and our nervous system. Even if you can’t step outside, look out the window or find an image only of something in nature that you find beautiful or breathtaking. Taking a few breaths and being in nature is something you can aspire to do daily.

Recently I have had comments or messages sharing how much you enjoy the breathing practices I share. I really enjoy hearing from you all, and thank you so much for listening and taking time to share your thoughts and feelings with me.

One thing I love about breathwork is that you can do it anytime, anywhere and no one has to know. And it is also free, simple and easy. You know that means we have to practice, right?

Let’s practice now. Sometimes all we need is just a good shake to shake off whatever is going on in our bodies. I call this my shake it out and breathe practice. I want you to shake your entire body and take loud breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth as you shake. Yes, shake it up and out… and feel free to laugh while you do it. lol

Are you ready? Let's go!

Start from your upper body, shaking your head, your shoulders, your arms, your hands, keep shaking, your upper torso, now your hips, kick your legs out, and if you're able to take a few stomps with your feet on the ground do it. Take a moment to notice how that feels. You might feel tingling or movement in your body.

Excellent!

How did that feel to you? Lol

Now I invite you to you place your hands stacked on top of each other right in the center of your chest, this is your energetic heart center.

We'll take seven breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth with loud, verbal exhales, like this.

I'll do the counting and you do the breathing.

Are you ready?

Breathe in Ahh

Breathe in Ahh

Breathe in Ahh

Breathe in Ahh

Breathe in Ahh

Breathe in Ahh

Last one deep breath, breathe in Ahh.

You are in the present moment. Take a moment to notice how you feel right now.

This simple breathing technique is very powerful. Whenever we breathe out longer than in, we're sending a signal to our brain to calm our body down.

Let me know what you think about the shake it out and breathe practice. Try it a few times over the next week and notice how you feel. You can leave a comment, observation or reflection wherever you're listening to this podcast.

If you’d like to share your thoughts with me - [e-mail] is the best way to reach me. And if social media is better for you, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, are best.

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