I don’t know about you, but I love walking. Especially near trees, in parks and preferably with the sound of water running in the distance.
It seems fitting that as I write this, I have just come in from a long walk in the fresh cool, dry air and am invigorated by the signs of spring that are beginning to show themselves. Here in the northern hemisphere, we have just had the spring equinox (March 20th) so all around us the Earth is stirring with its ‘newness’.
Flora and fauna are starting to emerge from their winter hibernation. With the first buds of the precious delicate blooms, Mother Earth is awakening from her slumber. But she has not been idle. Slumber may not be the word for it, as she has not been asleep, but rather has been resting, retreating, and taking time out for her renewal. That would be a more accurate picture. She has been pulling her energy inwards, into the depths of her being, conserving her energies during the winter months until she is once again ready to birth through when the time is right for her to do so.
There is a real beauty to the Earth at this time with the light of the mornings and the dark of the evenings appearing in equal measure, helping all to stir and be renewed in the coming Spring air.
We are much more likely to want to spend time outside now and one of the easiest things to do each morning is to throw open your door, stand on the threshold and breathe in the new morning air.
With this in mind, here is a really simple breath practice you can do:
1.With your hands across your lower belly, take a deep breath in through your nose, filling up the whole of your lungs, and feeling the expansion of your diaphragm and experience your belly inflating like a balloon.
2. Hold your breath (without straining) for a count of 4, then let it out of your mouth in a slow, steadily, and controlled way, until it has all gone.
3. Repeat for 4 rounds, helping you feel much calmer, relieved and relaxed ready for your day ahead.
Pam Bailey
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