"Count your breaths. Four in and four out." The phrase I would hear every Monday and Wednesday morning by my English professor. This exercise, he would say, not only helped us physically, but also, in our concentration to our breath as a confirmation of our existence. Compared to how long the Earth has been in existence, each of our time spent on it is so trivial that we're nearly nonexistent. That is why, according to my wise professor, our breath is so important to pay attention to. We can lose our sense of self and existence with all that we have going on in our lives. Spending at least five minutes of mindfulness can remind us of how significant we are.
Aside from being conscious of our being, it's physically crucial to be aware of our breathing for a few moments. It will not only bring in the oxygen we need to keep our brains sharp and our body replenished, but it will release the toxins that we inhale all day, every day from our environment. Some of these toxins include gasoline and even the usual products you find in a nail salon. Since breathing keeps our brains in tune, it's important to remember to breathe deeper if you find yourself upset or agitated. Once we turn to a state of stress or anger, we tend to breathe quicker, which upsets the brain and eventually makes us even more crazed. When we take deeper and longer breaths, our brain returns to its calm state, which allows us to think properly.
Now, as I mentioned earlier, breathing every morning was something I did two mornings a week and now I continue this routine every day. Of course, it helps me start my day, but more important to me, it helps me to make sense of myself. I am able to listen to my breathing and it reminds me that I am alive and that I am lucky to be so blessed with what I have and who I have. Therefore, my mantra is: I am not alone. I am healthy. I am loved. I am alive. So my breathing has a lot to do with that since I always come back to those four sentences every time I am being mindful.
It is truly, like my professor says, a confirmation of who we are, and if you ever forget yourself or your importance, just sit and breathe for a minute or two. It will remind you that you are alive and that you continue to hold significance in this world, whether you believe it or not. And if you get distracted with roaming thoughts, that's okay! No one is perfect and every person, no matter how experienced you are, will always get distracted when meditating. Not one person can sit still and have a silent mind for a few minutes. However, I have learned some tips for being mindful: just think of yourself as a sturdy and stable mountain. Then think of your thoughts as clouds that move along above you. They may linger for a minute or two, but they too shall pass, just like any other cloud in the sky.
So no matter who you are or what you're doing, just sit down and breathe. And so again I say to you: You are not alone. You are healthy. You are loved. You are alive.
