Just Breathe

So, it’s been pretty windy here in Jacksonville, Florida and I’d assume for the rest of the chilly country. As per the norm, I went for a run to train for The River Run this next weekend and triied running over the bridges here in Mayport and was blown away (literally) by the wind. It was so windy!!! When I reached the to p of the bridge I stopped and just took a breath and felt AMAZING! There really is nothing like a deep inhalation of clean, fresh air. So, here I go, on a mission to do some sort of research on air, breathing and massage. Trying to intertwine these and find information. I did some research and found an amzing article on breathing meditaion. It’s below…enjoy! “We can connect ourselves with a basic force of nature by focusing on the essential element of air during a wind meditation. We begin by centering ourselves on our breath. We inhale the life-giving force, feeling it fill us, and then releasing it into the world to let our breath mingle with the breath of nature. If we cannot feel the wind right now, we can recall times when the wind has sent us gifts of caresses on bare skin, ruffling our clothes and playing with our hair. We can evoke sounds carried on the wind, maybe laughter or song, or perhaps just the wind’s own whispers through the trees or across the landscape of our ears. We may summon up an image of falling flowers or leaves from above, vivid colors set free with the wind’s encouragement. We may envision birds drifting on unseen currents with wings unbent, or flags and banners unfurled in the breeze. The scent of a sea breeze may come to mind, or the aromas of freshly baked treats or fragrant blooms that reach us from a distance. As these memories enliven our senses, we are feeling the vital force that surrounds and animates us. We can look to the trees to sway in time with nature’s rhythm. Just as we can be soothed by the wind, we know that nature has great power. In a rush it can block out all sound, leaving us with only the beating of our hearts. Wind can even make the inanimate dance and whirl gracefully. With a gentle sigh, the wind has carried sailors to faraway lands and balloons to great heights above. We can entrust the wind to carry our voices and best wishes out into the world, knowing it will be carried to its perfect destination. Releasing these precious offerings to its care, we remember that nature’s power is as close as our breath, and we breathe deeply once again before returning to the world around us.” Don’t you just feel more at ease and peaceful just reading that? I know I do. Now, do yourself a favor and go outside (I know it’s probably chilly), close your eyes and take one. Deep. Breath.