Breathe

Looking up at the clear blue sky, everything looks at peace.  Is it really?  The leaves are swaying and the sun is shining, as if all is okay in the world.

As I look closer, some of the leaves are waving wildly, as if in torment or perhaps doing a happy dance.  While other leaves are calm and just gently blowing in the wind, breathing in and out.

Today I sit, with my baseball cap on and my hood pulled over my head.  Not wanting to be seen.  My body is in torment today, and perhaps if I hide and sit still, I will be ok.  Like the gentle leaves blowing, I am calm just sitting.  No pain, just calm.  Just breathe.

As I get up, I am like the wildly waving leaves…my body in torment.  I try and gently put my feet on the ground; however, the movement is not smooth.  If I am not careful, I will fall.  The movement is like the tormented leaves…swaying wildly back and forth, until I can get my balance.  Instead of a graceful walk, the steps are sharp movements.  I need to:

Just breathe.

Take a breath and look around you.

Gently close your eyes.

Inhale slowly and then exhale.

Listen to the birds chirping and feel the wind through your hair.

Just breathe, for a breath can be taken from you without warning.

Enjoy the peace that is nature, the peace that is your own breath.

Whenever life gets to you, close your eyes and just breathe.