6 Minute Breathing Space
by Denise Gour
Feeling triggered? Reactive? This is not the time to hit "send" or open your mouth. Instead, here's a quick 3-Step practice to bring best options back "on-line." Step One ~ Pause and briefly inventory how your thoughts, emotions, and the body are experiencing this stress. Good, now tuck the inventory away for a moment. Step Two ~ Shift your attention on sensations of breathing wherever breath is most noticable - nose, throat, chest, or belly. Stay here and just be with the breath. Thoughts are in the background like music playing two rooms away. Step Three ~ Check in again - How are you doing? Better? Worse? Based on this, ask yourself: "What is needed within this moment, within the realm of possibility -- fresh air? a walk? a friend?" Responding vs. Reacting Automatically. It's a good thing.
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