The breath before the step

Life Lessons from a Breathing Exercise… We are always becoming more of who we are. We either repeat the version of ourselves we believe we are and call it good—and that’s okay—or we stay curious about our patterns. Why do we react the way we do in certain moments? When do we rush ahead instead of pausing? What would happen if we simply gave ourselves the time we need? Here’s the coolest part about the body and the nervous system: when given different input over time, we teach the nervous system to respond differently. We change the patterns. Life is life. And life will keep on lifing. It’s up to each of us to choose to stay connected to ourselves in a world that grows more distracting every day. Over nearly two decades of working with my clients—and with myself—I’ve come to understand that change takes the time it takes. And often, the simpler the approach, the better—especially for an overwhelmed nervous system. The other day I was working with a client who has spent the past year diligently learning how to breathe properly. Recently we moved on to humming breath, and that too has taken time to learn. Yesterday we had a breakthrough. I said to her, “Okay, only think about the inhale. Take all the time you need. Then the exhale will be there.” What happened next was beautiful. She hummed long and low, and I could see her whole body soften. Then she looked at me with bright eyes and said, "I just learned something. I can take the time I need—and then act when I’m ready." We both smiled the biggest smiles. “Yes,” I said. “Only when you’re ready.” It seems so simple—and that is the magic, my friends. Change does take time and consistency, yes. But it is also beautifully simple. Here’s to the long road. To taking the breath you need. And then taking the next step only when you are ready. In love and movement, Lila