A Little MS with a Little MSW

I realized recently that I am drawn to activities that bring awareness to the breath. Do you know why I started running? For those who can’t. Once upon a time, I was a sixth grader, panting my way around a middle school track, thinking and/or wishing I had reached End of Days.

I did not grow up in a fitness-focused family. Health was not modeled for me – physically, emotionally, or spiritually – and honestly, it’s not something I prioritized for a good portion of my life. Then, Life happened. Monumental events such as divorce, illness, teenagers, and The News, collided in a way that resulted in me running 13.1 miles and landing in child’s pose.

I find it interesting that both aerobic activity and stillness can bring Zen. I have experienced Runner’s High and am gradually achieving stillness of mind on and off the yoga mat. Deep belly breaths with long, exaggerated exhalations are my stress balm. My subconscious has been aiding me in this way for as long as I can remember.

Lack of time is often cited as a reason for our lack of self-care. I am here to encourage those with limited time to start with breathwork. We are breathing anyway, right? Breathwork does not require extra time, it requires us to turn inward and focus. If not for yourself, breathe for those who no longer can or who struggle to do so every day.