The Importance of Stepping Back

In the midst of chaos, confusion, anxiety, anger or sadness, stepping back and making ourselves an observer gives perspective. When faced with a difficult situation, our respiration changes; it becomes shallow and faster. If we focus on the breath, and deliberately take full, deep breaths, the mind begins to calm down and so does the body. From there, we can detach ourselves from those situations and become equanimous. Being able to give ourselves a moment or two of clarity and peace is a very valuable tool in realizing that many, if not most, of our stress comes from situations that will never happen. Breaking that thought pattern through our breath and coming to the present moment is the biggest gift we can give ourselves throughout our lives. If practiced often, we become proficient, and once proficient, it becomes a way of being. link to the breath portion of the website.