Breathing is the most effortless activity there is. We breathe without even thinking about it.
Breathing is an automatic action, we do not have to think about it.
However we influence our breathing with our thinking: we can very easily stop breathing for some time, when we are anxious, stressed, fearful and overwhelmed. We can start breathing faster, slower, deeper, etc.
Our thoughts, emotions and feelings can and do affect our breathing.
Let’s try a little exercise.
Think of something that makes you smile? Really makes you smile? Now as you smile, take a look at how you are breathing. Just observe without judgment or agenda, is it slower? Calmer? Deeper? More regular? Feel how effortless this breathing is – how everything around you comes into true awareness and clarity comes forth.
Now check in with your body, as you continue to observe your breath and continue to smile. Does your chest expand more, does your tummy area expand, as your lungs expand as you breathe in?
How do your shoulders feel? Your Neck? Your torso, your legs and your feet? Are there any signs of tension if so breathe into those areas, not just once, but a few times, sending the intention of those areas to start to relax as you breathe into them. It is really beginning to feel effortless doesn’t it – now imagine taking this effortless breathing to your horse and all your activities with your horse.
Is your breathing shallow, quick? Does your chest move but nothing else? Is your body tense, do you feel tired? Is your mind all over the place? Do you feel like you are holding your breath or forcing unnatural breaths into your body and the tiredness escalates?
Breathing is a gift that can teach us the art of effortlessness, for ourselves and for our horses.
Shallow breathing fuels our anxiety, it prevents us from relaxing, from being present, it brings tiredness to our efforts and our actions and it brings increased anxiety and overwhelm. We feel out of control and yet desperately strive to control that which we cannot. And the stress, tiredness, and overwhelm increases.
Breathe effortlessly every day and discover how breathing this way brings all your actions into the effortless every day.
The Art for Effortless is a worthwhile daily practice.
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