Breathing is an important part of singing and speaking effectively and healthfully. Today I was reminded of another important role it can take in our lives, and that is giving us some choice in how we react.
We all have moments when life can be less than pleasant, and we are suddenly in a moment of stress. That happened for me today, and like anyone, my first feeling was defensiveness and dry throat. Breathing training came to my rescue, and as I concentrated on breathing in and out, slowly, one breath at a time, I regained my ability to listen in a nonjudgmental frame of mind, to hear what was behind the accusing angry words, and to not rush to my own defense, but to open to the persons words, instead of tightening up to refute and defend. It was very helpful, and when it was my turn to speak, I was able to speak with dignity, and think of a few suggestions that may work for the situation that caused the upset for the person. I still felt a bit shaky from the unexpected confrontation, but it could have gone very badly, a call to a beloved friend and mentor helped to see the situation better as well, but I am deeply grateful for the role that deep diaphragmatic breathing played in the situation.
Where can that kind of breathing help you? Before speaking hastily? Before eating the 3rd cookie? To soften a moment of road rage? There are so many ways trained breathing can help us. Train your breathing-it will be there for you when you need it.