Gifts of the Soul Winter 2010 by Laura Grace

Gifts of the Soul

The Breath of Life and Love

How long can you live without food? Maybe 40 days.
How long can you live without water? Maybe 5 days.
How long can you live without breathing? How many seconds?

Breath is a perfect expression of how we live our lives. When we think everything depends on us and we must keep everything under control, our breath is shallow, controlled, and contracted.
When we trust in God, the Universe and Life Itself, our breath becomes full and open, moving gracefully through a relaxed chest. It sounds like a deep sigh of relief for that is exactly what it is; a belief and relief that we are being taken care of. That’s when we stop running interference on the Universe and allow life to flow through us.

The in breathe allows you to absorb precious life force energy, while the out breath allows your mind and body to let go and deeply relax. Most people are more comfortable breathing in then breathing out. And yet, it is with through a deep exhale that we relax into our deeper self and release stress, worry, doubt and fear.

When you breathe in deeply and release the exhale effortlessly, old thought patterns, beliefs and painful experiences are able to move through you. Healing occurs when we feel safe and are relaxed. Consciously breathe in and out and notice how the energy of life flows through you.

Jack Shield, MD, a Lymphologist from Santa Barbara, CA, conducted a study on the
effects of breathing on the lymphatic system. Using cameras inside the body, he
found that deep diaphragmatic breathing stimulated the cleansing of the lymph system
by creating a vacuum effect which sucked the lymph through the bloodstream.
This increased the rate of toxic elimination by as much as 15 times the normal pace.

Right now, take a moment to breathe in the beauty around you…breathe out appreciation for the love in your life…breathe in how much the Universe supports you…breathe out with a feeling of faith and belief…breathe in the gratitude you have for your relationships…breathe out with a sense of wonderment for being alive.

Remember, each emotion has an associating breathing pattern and vice versa. Take time to become aware of your breathing. Practice deep breathing as many times as possible throughout the day. It is perhaps the most powerful way we can become grounded and centered in the present moment and in our true beingness. When you consciously breathe in and out, you reclaim your inner power and are more easily able to handle the stressors of daily life.

Allow your breath to support you. Its love and wisdom are powerful allies. Ahhhhh.

© Copyright 2010 Laura Grace. All Rights Reserved.

Winter-2009 - "Faith-in-it As You Make It"

June-July 2004 - "Deepening Your Spiritual Practice"

April-May 2004 - "Life's Crossroads: Love-vs-Fear"

December 2003 Column - "Touching the Heart of Others"

November 2003 Column - "Knowing How to Care for Yourself"

Laura Grace is the Spiritual Leader of the Circle of Spiritual Enlightenment in Central Coast California, and a national author and speaker. Laura provides spiritual counseling and offers numerous workshops and retreats for awakening the heart and spirit. She is also the author of the books Gifts of the Soul and The Intimate Soul and a syndicated columnist for more than twenty publications. Laura is the host of the show "Relationship Wisdom" on Public Access Television. Please visit Laura at: www.LauraGrace.net.

As a spiritual counselor, Laura provides assistance in person and by phone. You may contact her for a free brochure at: laura@lauragrace.net.

Visit:
www.LauraGrace.net

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