It's Not as Bad as It Seems

The other day I was speaking with a friend about how certain  songs etch memories in our minds. There are countless times when I shuffle through my music library, and I come across a song or album that once was my means of daily survival. There are songs that I used to sing along to.. hoping that the words would somehow sink into the pages of my life story and become permanent.

One of those songs is titled "Breathe" by Lalah Hathaway. In it she sings about how when the world is falling apart, and everything seems to be taking a negative turn, we must remember to simply breathe. It sounds a bit corny doesn't it?  Kinda like something you'd see printed on a mug at target. "Just breathe." 

Triteness aside, the simplicity of the action is exactly what makes it so profound. In circumstances where it seems like you can't do anything, you can always breathe. It's the one thing we all can do, and have been doing forever. Taking a moment to breathe brings oxygen into the body. Oxygen that calms us and rewards us. After a deep breath and a moment of silence, you are able to gather your thoughts. And in that thought gathering process, you might realize that things aren't as bad as they seemed a few minutes ago. Think about how important a breath is when you've been underwater. It's the only thing you long for.  Or  when you've just gotten to the beach and you're yearning  to go under the water, but it's freezing. How can you possibly get over the icy, uncomfortable feeling, so that you can enjoy yourself?

By taking  a deep breath, and quickly submerging  your entire body.  The breath you take after resurfacing is one of confidence and clarity, because now the water feels just fine. How is that possible, when only seconds ago it was almost too cold to withstand?

As I write to you, I write to myself. No matter how hard things may seem in the moment, let us remember to pause and take a deep breath.

P.S. - listen to the song here if you have the time!