I was spring skiing this week when I realized that the long, Utah trail I turned onto was the steepest trail I had ever attempted. You should know that I'm not a natural athlete. Oh. Snap.Â
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(Full disclosure;Â the skier in the photo is not me!)
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As I made turns on the challenging terrain, I felt my sensory input constrict. My chest got tight.
I started to cramp up, sweat, and a distinct feeling of unease came over me.Â
This was one long, steep trail.Â
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I remembered the breathing pattern from my morning meditations.Â
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Breathe in for three count.
Pause. Breathe out for count of five. Pause.
Repeat.
Breathe in for three count.Â
Pause. Breathe out for count of five. Pause.Â
Repeat.
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After only two cycles, I could feel my vision and my chest expand as the rising panic was curtailed. The fear sweat left. Â
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I established a rhythm.Â
I felt more grounded and skied the rest of the trail with increasing confidence and focus.
I remember even admiring the view and catching the scent of pine in the air as it rushed by.Â
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It felt so good, we went back up and I did it again!Â
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I am a nurse and a professional leadership coach.
I have studied the science of mindfulness and meditation and I practice both.Â
(There's a reason it's called a "practice". There's no perfection- just intentionally paying attention, again and again.) Â
Intellectually, I know mindful breathing can circumvent the flight or fight response.Â
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To experience the power of mindful breathing in the moment, however, to feel the sudden, marked shift in my body and perceptions was transformative, empowering and validating.Â
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Breathing, something that we do automatically, without thinking, when done intentionally, can make a significant difference to our ability to be present to our experience, to be effective, and to choose our response and not just habitually react.Â
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The next time you are challenged, stressed, closed down, and reactive- remember the transformative power of the breath. Â
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