The feeling of my body breathing occupies my awareness this morning. My abdominal and intercostal (rib cage) muscles are tighter than usual. The challenges of self-quarantine, filling the hours, and not slipping into negativity require this awareness. Not breathing well can result in oxygen-deprivation to the brain which only makes it harder to cope with aloneness.....harder to experience this time as all-one-ness.

In this moment, all that I can control is my attention to my breath. The tightness is restricting the flow somewhat so I breathe more consciously into the ribs and abdominal area.

My practice today will focus on loosening the torso and conscious breathing.

It is enough. Namaste.

Has anyone taught you to breathe consciously? 

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A number of years ago I recognized a pattern in my life when I experience stress. The source of that stress is insignificant. My response to stress is predictable and counter-productive. I hold my breath.

Welcome to the human race, Catherine Ann.

It is a very common reaction to the challenges life brings. Shortening or holding the breath sets off one of our natural survival mechanisms. The brain signals the nervous system for more oxygen. The nervous system signals the adrenals to fire which kicks everything into a higher gear so that the breath rate increases, sending oxygen to the brain. The drawback is that, in most situations, I don't need more adrenalin in my body because I am not in any danger. What I need are calming body chemicals so that I can make decisions or let something go and float on the calm waters of Life.

Somewhere along the way, I learned that the problem usually reveals the answer. Since I am shortening and holding my breath, the answer...