You’ve been told a million times to just breathe. Like, of course you don’t need reminders to breathe — you do it without even thinking! How about inspired breathing that makes you feel like you’re connected to everything, the present moment a piece of eternity that so loves having you here? Sounds better. Feels the best. Breathe deeply, like you're meant to be here. It’ll make your day. Maybe, your life.

With every moment that you're mindful, you create a future that’s more like what you want it to be.

It's amazing, really, what conscious breathing can do for your life.

Breathe deeply enough and you can feel the joy above the struggle, the peace beneath the pain, and the love everywhere. That's a real thing.

You get to sense a stillness that runs deeper than what's always changing and moving and being made. You tune into life while other people go through the motions.

And that’s not devaluing or denying the hardships or frustrations — you breathe into your power to handle it and move through it without feeling defeated and with a smile still on your face.

Here’s something I share in my new book, Sleep Rituals: 100 Practices for a Deep and Peaceful Sleep:

One of the most promising strategies for calming down is also one of the simplest self-care practices: intentional breath. It is the portal to the moment lived in heightened awareness and a trustworthy companion for peaceful sleep.

Not just for sleep. Deep breaths are little miracle workers:

• They deliver oxygen to your cells, giving you energy and making your skin glow.
• They improve blood circulation which can help everything from hair growth to warm fingers and toes (solid life goals)
• They nourish your internal organs, keep muscles strong, keep you healthy when everyone else is sick, encourage better posture, and support digestion.
• They take the edge off symptoms of anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. Hallelujah!

Imagine that vital energy cascading through you when you're sitting in traffic, waiting in line at the grocery store, listening to people talk politics. Better, right?

“Practicing rhythmic breathing is like applying a soothing balm to the frazzled places within.” — Sleep Rituals

Take "just breathe" to heart.

Turning an involuntary action into an intentional practice of self-nourishment is like transforming the mundane into something magical and routine into a ritual.

Try doing this:

Breathe Deeply, Like You're Meant to Be Here

Find small spaces in your day to be still, close your eyes, breathe deeply two or three times, and heighten your six senses to everything that’s in this moment with you. (Add that sixth sense in there for good measure: call it connection or communion with everything.)

Pay attention to the emptiness at the end of your exhale, and how the next breath arises from that. Notice the same stillness at the peak of your inhale and how it sparks the next exhale.

Imagine every breath becoming part of the music of this moment.

Accept this moment as a chance to be free from the past and the future.

Don’t discount the magic in taking full, deep breaths. In that presence, stress loses its power and you regain yours.

Contemplate this moment as if you’re creating a memory. Savor it without needing it to be any different than it is.

Rest in the shelter of a moment untouched by all other moments.

Breathe like you're meant to be here.

Connect with your desire. What do you want to accomplish in this lifetime? What do you want to give to the people around you? How do you want to feel right now, today, more often?

Feel everything you want -- every goal, feeling, experience  -- emanating from the silence between breaths, the space between cells, flowing from the unchanging foundation of all life.

“To feel fully involved with and supported by life, you may simply need to cherish this moment you’re breathing in.” — Sleep Rituals

Breathe like it's the most important thing you could do right now.

Pick up a copy of Sleep Rituals for breathing practices and prompts that'll turn you from stressed to blessed.

Tell me:

Think about when you notice yourself holding your breath. When do you need to breathe more deeply?

Tell me in the comments. I ready every single one, and I'd love to know!

Breathing love your way,

Jen

P.S. Remember to get your copy of Sleep Rituals for an entire chapter of breathing practices that'll lull you to peace before they lull you to sleep. Get Sleep Affirmations for inspiration X 200 when you need to let go of all the worry and pain that's keeping you up at night.