Breathing is an essential part of singing and speaking effectively and healthfully. Today I was reminded of another important role it can play in our lives: giving us some choice in how we react.
We all have moments when life can be less than pleasant, and we suddenly find ourselves in a state of stress. That happened to me today, and, like anyone, my first feelings were defensiveness and a 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 constructive, and when it was my turn to speak, I communicated with dignity and offered a few suggestions that might address 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 me see the situation more clearly, and I am deeply grateful for the role deep diaphragmatic breathing played in it.
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.