“Just breathe,” I thought to myself as my eyes opened and I saw the spectacular view in front of me outside the spaceship window looking upon the strange and stunningly beautiful far away planet. I was aware that my physical body was still inside of the pod, hooked to the machines, that had kept my body alive while in a deep state of hibernation for the long journey from Earth to this distant planet. I heard the clicks and whirs of the machines around me, knowing not to fear them for they were keeping me alive and preparing me for stepping out into adventures exploring this new world in front of me. The pod opened up and I heard and felt the movement as I was slowly ejected from the restraints of the larger spaceship and my smaller capsule gently descended to the surface of the new world. Once upon the surface, I stepped out of my capsule, reading the computer results telling me that the environment was safe to remove my protective suit. I first slipped off my shoes and gloves and touched the cool, firm, vibrant green surface and dipping my hand into the cool blue green waters, feeling the living world around me. Then, I took off my helmet to take in a deep breath of the sweet, life-giving air. Smiling to myself I thought “just breathe” as the noisy machines stopped, and I heard the radiologist say “You did great today! Just breathe” as my MRI test was done.
As someone who is claustrophobic, I dread going to MRI scans. Recently, I had to get an MRI and decided to use my imagination to distract me from the experience, while incorporating the unavoidable sounds of the machine into my imagination scenario. It worked and the 30-minute MRI went by faster than I expected without my anxiety being triggered. I remembered to just breathe. It triggered memories from childhood for when we learn the importance of ‘just breathe.” For example, I remember hearing my dad say “just breathe” as he was trying to calm my anxiety while he tried to teach me how to swim. I also remember as a young kid hearing my dad say “just breathe” when trying to calm me the first time I rode the Ferris Wheel at a local county fair or when I rode my first big rollercoaster the Scream Machine, at Six Flags Over Georgia. Each time, I remember hearing the words “just breathe” to calm the anxiety I felt so that I could learn, grow, and enjoy those experiences. It is the same for us as adults with the personal and professional challenges we encounter.
No matter what challenges, stressors, or other experiences you may be having, it is important to remind yourself to “just breathe.” There are many resources out there that recommend different breathing techniques, including meditation, yoga, or simple box-breathing that has been used by military special forces and often referred to as tactical breathing. Box breathing is a technique that helps reduce stress and calm you down.
You can research it and other breathing techniques, but box breathing is described simply as: Step 1: breathe in while counting to four slowly. Step 2: hold your breath for four seconds. Step 3: slowly exhale for 4 seconds. Step 4: wait for four seconds, then, repeat steps 1 to 3. And when you remember to pause in life and just breathe, your creativity and curiosity may also be engaged to support you in times of challenge and transformation.
I encourage you to reflect on your own stories and experiences with the power of “just breathe” and think about your own practices with breathing in times of stress, anxiety etc. What breathing techniques work for you? How has the simple yet life giving act of “just breathe” helped you during challenging times? I hope this reflection helps you along your personal and professional journey. And I am always interested in hearing and learning from all of you and your related stories because as always, Your Story Matters.
