This time of year is stressful. Often, we’re not even aware of the stress and its affects on our bodies. Then, when you least expect it, you snap at someone or just plain feel tired.
Here’s something I’ve been trying lately: breathing as a starter for prayer.
It goes like this:
1. Take a deep breath in, closing your eyes to the count of five.
2. Exhale out to the count of five.
3. With each breath in, in unfold one finger. Think of the child who hasn’t quite mastered math, using their fingers to count.
At the end of the ten breaths, you’ll have both hands wide open with all of your fingers extended. This is a traditional gesture of openness to God and you’ve also just given your body a gift of relax and stillness.
Then, I go into prayer. See if it works for you and let me know…
Here’s something I’ve been trying lately: breathing as a starter for prayer.
It goes like this:
1. Take a deep breath in, closing your eyes to the count of five.
2. Exhale out to the count of five.
3. With each breath in, in unfold one finger. Think of the child who hasn’t quite mastered math, using their fingers to count.
At the end of the ten breaths, you’ll have both hands wide open with all of your fingers extended. This is a traditional gesture of openness to God and you’ve also just given your body a gift of relax and stillness.
Then, I go into prayer. See if it works for you and let me know…