August Word of the Month - Breathe

We have fragrant plumeria plants growing along the walkway and they are in full bloom rigt now. They have a warm, inviting fragrance that makes me take deep breaths to savor the fragrance every time I'm near them. While the bees may love the flowers for their pollen and birds love them for their nectar, those deep breaths are essential for our well-being.

Ths month's word is Breathe - To inhale and exhale air with the lungs.

I frequently catch myself taking shallow breaths. It's not intentional but stress results in shallow breathing and shallow breathing creates more stress. Slow, deep breaths can be very calming and balancing. When we cultivate a practice of breathing slowly and deeply amazing transformation occurs in our physical, mental and emotional states.

Try these simple steps to bring calming balance back into your life:

• Be mindful of your breath
• Slow and deepen the breath if it's shallow
• Retrain your breathing pattern with continued awareness or yoga breath-work

When you feel anxiety building - Breathe - a slow, deep breth

If you are worried about something - Breathe - It will bring youback into the present moment.

If you're dropping things, running into things or feeling frustrated - Breathe - It will slow you down and bring balance.

Breathe in the beauty of life all around you by taking a few minutes every hour or so to stop, focus on your breath, imagine breathing that life-force energy into your body and enjoy the moment. Then return to your activities in a calmer more present awareness.

Share how you Breathe peace and calm into your life!