Breathing

People from many different cultures have used breathing as a way to feel calm, stay grounded, and reconnect with themselves. Whether it's part of meditation, prayer, or simply taking a moment to pause, breathing can help ease stress and bring more awareness to the present moment.

Here are a few simple breathing exercises that might help when you're feeling overwhelmed or just need a break.

Buddhist monk teaches breathing technique:

https://youtu.be/Uq7nBj17maA?si=s4hIHKto9FTZ87lr&t=61

Box Breathing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEmt1Znux58&t=2s&ab_channel=SunnybrookHospital

4-7-8 Breathing: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Dv-ldGLnIY&ab_channel=Hands-OnMeditation 

Reflection Questions:

1. How did your body feel before and after the breathing exercise?

2. What emotions or thoughts came up while you were focusing on your breath?

3. Did you find the breathing exercise calming or difficult? Why?

4. What does feeling “grounded” mean to you, and did this exercise help you feel that way?

5. Are there any calming or breathing practices from your culture or background that you connect with?