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There has been a lot of talk on the significance of conscious breathing in recent months. There are more and more breath workers/specialists out there, one of them being my personal trainer, Luke. As soon as I heard that he does breathing classes, I jumped on board. These sessions have become an essential part of my weekly schedule. A time to breathe.

It is no coincidence that breath is considered sacred. We really begin our earthly life when we take our first breath, the breath of life. That never stops until our last breath at the end of this life.

I can remember a few instances when people pointed out the importance of a deep, controlled breath. It was in primary school during PE lessons, particularly in regards to running. Then during choir rehearsals. When reciting poetry. In anti natal classes. When doing yoga, Tai Chi, meditating and now personal training (particularly when weight lifting).

Breathing is such a integral part of our life that it becomes subconscious. We stop paying attention to it over the years. It just happens naturally. Until we experience difficulty breathing for one reason or another. Then it comes back into our consciousness. Every time that happens is the perfect opportunity to take each breath with intention, noticing how much air we can take in, how long we take to breathe in and out, how good it feels when we breathe fully and slowly. It sends the positive signals to the rest of our body that all is well, that things are under control, that our body is in harmony with all that is.

Just like any other skill, conscious breathing takes practice. I have found guided meditations and breathing classes most effective in that regard. When you are in a relaxed atmosphere, guided by a trusted, experienced, knowledgable person, breath becomes a portal to the zen state. I have experienced tears, visions, past-life regressions, kundalini awakening, even fell asleep a few times. The experience is never the same but it’s always deeply relaxing, touching and energising.

My aim is to develop a daily breathing practice that will enable me to connect to my body, clear my mind, calm me down and re energise me.

I thoroughly recommend it to everyone to try it out, as there are endless benefits to conscious breathing.There is a lot of science behind it, but I always find that the proof is in the eating (I love my puddings). So, let’s get into the flow of the conscious breath and keep thriving.

Love, service and wisdom,

Angela.

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What does it mean to self-care? What does it involve? How do we make it an integral part of our every day routine? Do we have a self-care routine to begin with?

It could be my age and my changing circumstances that are making me think about myself more. Whatever it is, I am beginning to notice signs of stress on my body, my mind, my emotional state and my very soul. It is time to take good care of myself, as well as of the people in my life.

I have heard people say that they have a daily routine for themselves, which includes anything from meditation, exercise, singing, dancing, breath work, reading, writing, cooking, and many other things that help them ground, balance, calm down and get back into their optimum centred state.

It is a fact that our physical body changes as we gain years and count birthdays. Menopause has changed me profoundly and I am accepting that my body is in charge. It is asking me to take breaks during the day, to eat regularly, to take supplements, to meditate daily, to pay attention to my breathing, to take regular walks in fresh air, to reach out if I need support, to pace myself, to appreciate good days, good moments, to learn from life’s challenges, to keep surrendering and accepting the things that I can’t change, to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of life, to recognise blessings in the smallest things, to express how I feel freely, to check in with myself all the time, to acknowledge how I feel, to seek pleasure and so many more things.

So, I have decided to create my self-care daily routine. So far, it consists of: having three meals a day, having fresh fruit and/or vegetables daily, meditating, breathing mindfully, going for a walk, having meaningful conversations, taking small breaks when I need to, cooking, listening to music, singing and on a good day dancing. As of recently, I have been introducing a few exercises that I want to expand on. My gym membership isn’t being utilised. I have my reasons to as why, but am aware that paying for it and not using it isn’t going to last much longer. I will decide soon enough wether I am going to use the facilities or cancel it altogether.

Taking care of our needs, listening to our feelings, maintaining and improving our health, doing things that make us happy, but also allowing ourselves to just be. Constant doing is going to wear us out, so let’s take a moment to breathe, to feel the air filling up our body and sending waves of calm through our nervous system. Let’s feel the sun on our skin, notice what nature looks like around us, let’s count our blessings, feel grateful, let’s smile more, allow ourselves to drop into our Heart centre and feel everything. Let us send love out into the world. Let us send thoughts and wishes for peace in the world. Let’s care about ourselves and about each other. Because, caring is sharing. When we look after ourself, we have the love, the patience and the energy to give to the world too.

Be gentle with yourselves, take care and spread the love.

Much love to everyone,

Angela x

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