Breathing through

At my age, I have suffered a few physical injuries. After having hurt myself through, because of, as a result of different exercise regimes, I decided (finally) to work with a personal trainer. I cannot emphasize enough what an amazing gift this has been. (And we have been so very fortunate to have found an enormously gifted and knowledgeable trainer in Tony- who also doubles as a great person to discuss politics, social changes etc… yes, I actually laugh at some point during these sessions.)

I also decided to challenge myself, and perhaps work a bit on stretching, and begin pilates. I have known Dani for years- my oldest played soccer with her youngest- so I reached out to her to see what it is all about. I have tried yoga but have a most difficult time settling my brain. With each and every pose, I think about my to do list. I am not yet evolved enough to meditate properly. But I like the idea of stretching my muscles and using them in a different way to help retain some durability. Thus, pilates.

And I occasionally treat myself to a massage. Every time I do, I think that this is something I should be doing more regularly because I truly feel the aches and pains that have taken up refuge in my tissue and muscles. And I sleep so very well after a good massage. It’s like a kindness for my body and soul.

(So, why am I bringing up these three different approaches to physical health? And what about my erratic jogging or peloton dabbling that both leave me breathless?)

With every one of these approaches to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, at some point, you push or stretch something to a point of discomfort. Not pain or tearing or pulling. But discomfort. At this singular point in time, your masseuse, trainer, instructor, will tell you to focus on the discomfort and breathe through it. By focusing on the pressure and exhaling, you help yourself release the discomfort. This allows your body to sink a bit further into the possibility of more discomfort at which point you again focus and exhale. But you have stretched yourself further and enabled your body to be more nimble and adept as you face daily challenges. You are preparing yourself for the short-term benefits as well as the longer duration of a healthy you.

One of the things that every one of these people reminds me of, every single time, is to breathe. I tend to hold my breath during exertions. As if I am waiting on the outcome before deciding whether or not to take a breath. As if I have a choice to make about the success (or not) of my performance so that I am now entitled (or not) to inhale and exhale.

I have held my breath so many times. Waiting to exhale. Waiting to see what the outcome is. Waiting to assess if and when I am now entitled to a breath. Rapid or deep. Do I focus on myself, on the discomfort. Identify and process it. Understand the origin. And then allow myself to exhale and sink further into it. Am I strong enough to release the discomfort. Move on from the pain. Use that knowledge to become a more balanced and healthy version of myself.

I think that is something we often forget to do throughout the day- focus and breathe. For some things, it seems too painful to focus. We hope that by forgetting or ignoring, it will disappear- whatever that discomfort is for each of us. But if you push it away, down deep inside, it will fester and cause more pain. Knots will form along your spine or muscles will cramp from the burden of the discomfort you hold so tightly.

Better to focus. Be in it. Feel all of it. Then exhale and sink a bit more deeply inside of it. Until you can release it.

Breathe through the discomfort so that you may find balance and become stronger.

Just breathe. That is how each of us gets through it.