All I Want Is To Breathe

Learn how simple breathing exercises like WAIT can help you reduce stress. 4 count breathing with Heather

Oops, it happened again!

When Your Body Says ‘Slow Down

I got another cold and then a deep and barky cough.

How can this re-occur 2 weeks later? I thought I was recovered?

I will admit that I was a bit frustrated. I spent much of the holiday at home, and in bed. As the new year’s work week began, I dove in. I felt fine, all the way from Monday to Friday.

Once again, my breathing became impacted. I could feel a heaviness in my chest. I have to force a deep breath. I sound like a seal when I cough. Ugh!

Listening to the Message Behind the Symptoms

As much as I would have liked to knock of my entire to-do list, my body was telling me something else. You will be surprised that this time it was not telling me to rest and drink warm fluids.

This time I got a different message. “Reschedule any events that require a significant amount of energy and being in-person with people for the next 2 weeks”.

Normally, I wouldn’t want to let anyone down. However, this time I really didn’t want to make anyone else sick.

Creating ‘Breathing Space’ in Your Life

It took a bit of time and energy to connect with people and reschedule. All of a sudden I found that I had all this breathing space.

Did you catch that? I created “breathing space” by changing my schedule and commitments. I made time to take a breath. I felt like a weight was already off my chest.

With time to take a breath, I want to share a simple breathing exercise. I call it “WAIT”

The WAIT Breathing Exercise:
A Simple Practice for Mindfulness

(Click to Watch Video and Listen)

  • Place one hand over your belly, and the other over your heart. This can be done lying on your back, sitting, or standing.
  • Close your eyes and breathe.
  • Simply wait. Wait until the breath expands your belly, Wait until the breath expands your chest.
  • Stay present with yourself and your breath for another minute or so.

 Why Breathing Exercises Matter

Breathing exercises like WAIT are simple yet powerful tools to reduce stress and enhance mindfulness.
They help calm your nervous system, improve focus, and create a deeper sense of connection with yourself.

These practices remind us to slow down and listen to what our bodies truly need.

Inner movement is about more than just physical activity—it’s tuning into the subtle shifts in your emotions, thoughts, and body. This intentional focus can lead to profound insights and a stronger sense of balance.

Taking time to connect with these inner movements fosters resilience, clarity, and self-compassion.

If you’re ready to explore how inner movement can enhance your well-being, I invite you to join me in practicing adapted yoga.

Discover Adapted Chair Yoga

Adapted Chair Yoga is a gentle, accessible way to connect with your body and mind. Whether you’re new to yoga or looking for a practice that fits your current needs, these classes offer an opportunity to:

  • Increase mobility and strength.
  • Reduce stress and promote relaxation.
  • Develop a deeper awareness of your inner self.

Sessions are available as single classes. Join the February-April session every Tuesday and Friday morning
for a more comprehensive experience.

Let’s prioritize our well-being together this year. Simple, mindful steps can lead to transformative change.

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