Breathe – Listen

Just a reminder.

Things being what they are these days, it’s helpful to pause and breathe while you do something kinda small. Get back into your body, instead of wherever you wind up while working. Or doing some household chore. Or dealing with another person while they, you, or both play whatever cards life has dealt.

Try it while taking a little trip outdoors that is totally not related to exercise. One of my favorite breathe-able trips is a ride on the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry in Surry County, Virginia. Once on the ferry, it’s nice to stand outside of the car, let the wind wash your face, and listen to the birds. And breathe.

Is there a ferry or park nearby where you can just be a person? You can just feel the atmosphere, rain or shine. Listen to whatever nature is doing. How about what people are doing? Sometimes I used to walk through a crowd and deliberately slow down to listen to the sounds of whatever city I was in. Were there a variety of accents? Is there so much noise it sounds like a fluorescent bulb? I like when the traffic is such a soft blur of sound that it reminds me of the ocean.

I also practice tuning in and out of other people’s conversations. It’s a helpful skill considering the types of conversations people will have on the phone while out in public. Does everyone on this side of the store have to know about how bad things are in your relationship? Do we all need to know how much money you spent on your …whatever? Most of us have had a private conversation in public, but when other folks’ tears and cursing start, it’s nice to be able to tune out. I feel like I’m giving them some privacy.

Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, take a pause to hit the personal “refresh” button. Breathe. Listen. Be grateful.