Day 5 of the I Am Feeling Good Challenge - Breath Deeply and Relax

It’s Day 5 of the I Am Feeling Good challenge and I hope you’ve been able to truly create memorable moments of this season while focusing on your emotional, physical and spiritual well being.. We’re half way through the challenge; are you journal ing about your experience or proclaiming “I am feeling good” in real time?

Today, we’ll focus on wholistic calming and relaxing (mind, body, spirit) at any moment throughout your day. Breath work is an important part of staying in touch with parts of our body that we don’t think about often as we are hustling and grinding but is essential to living in the moments, minutes, hours and days - I’m talking about the heart and lungs.

Breathwork for Relaxation

Breathwork and monitoring the heart are vital elements when it comes to relaxation and overall well-being. By focusing on the breath, we can tap into the body's natural relaxation response, reducing stress and promoting a sense of calm. Deep and intentional breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, signaling that it's safe to relax.

Deep cleansing breaths are a simple yet powerful technique for achieving a state of calm and relaxation. Start by finding a comfortable position, sitting or lying down. Close your eyes and begin to focus on your breath. Place one hand on your heart and the other on your belly. Inhale slowly through your nose, allowing your belly to rise and filling your lungs with air. Hold the breath for a moment, feeling the energy in your body - the rise and fall of your chest. Then, exhale slowly through your mouth, letting go of any tension or stress. Imagine releasing all your worries with each breath out. Repeat this process for several minutes, allowing each inhalation to bring in peace and each exhalation to release any negativity. With each deep breath, you will find yourself becoming more centered and serene.

Journaling Prompt for Breath Work and Relaxation Focusing on the Heart:

Take a few deep breaths and bring your attention to your heart space. Write about a moment when your heart felt deeply at ease and content, allowing the sensation to flow through your words.

Day 5 Affirmation -

I embrace the profound power residing within my heart. It is a boundless source of love, compassion, and resilience that fuels my journey through life.

Quote of the Day -

“. . . The dark, dark liver--love it, love it and the beat and beating heart, love that too. More than eyes or feet. More than lungs that have yet to draw free air. More than your life-holding womb and your life-giving private parts, hear me now, love your heart. For this is the prize.” - Toni Morrison, Beloved

As you move through the days ahead, attempt to focus on relaxation, rest, deep breaths for calming and the beat of our hearts. It’s my wish that these steps will create good feelings and sustain positive feelings. I’ll be back with more for this challenge.

Be well,

-Kathy

Kathy Hampton