The Breath. And CoronaVirus.

One of the things we have learned about the coronavirus is that it affects the lungs. At its worst, it literally keeps us from breathing.

And even for those of us not directly, physically touched by the virus, the same impact can be felt. As fear sets in, as anxiety and uncertainty settle around us, one of the first things that we unintentionally let go of is the breath – the deep, slow inhale, filling the lungs with healing, the slow, releasing exhale, relaxing the muscles of the lungs and the body. When we lose touch with the breath, we lose touch with that very source of centering and energy that revitalizes and keeps us connected to the life within.

So, yes, as we prepare and watch and understand how the growing spread of this virus may impact us individually, as communities, as nations, as the world, yes, we must be wise. Do all the things. Do them diligently. Stay home, or if you must go out, maintain sufficient distance from others. Sing happy birthday twice, lots of times throughout the day. Wipe down your doorknobs and your steering wheels, and the movie you picked up from Redbox. Feel your feelings. Get your news only periodically, from solid, trustworthy sources. Pray in the way you choose. Get plenty of rest and take your vitamins. Read good books, watch a funny movie, play board games and FaceTime your family. Talk to a professional if you’re really struggling.

Look up and appreciate the nuances of blues in the sky. Notice that sudden, strong aroma that rises as you grind the coffee beans, or the whiff of jasmine as the wind shifts on your patio, the stark red of the cardinal on the overhead wire, the way your arm and chest muscles tighten and release as you do your pushups. Listen to the cat purr, the kettle boil, your child read a story aloud, how your tummy growls when it’s hungry. Enjoy the softness of your sheets and the way an apple crunches when you bite into it. Be alive now in this moment. Be here, in this moment, aware, for that is what calms fear and anxiety and brings life into perspective.

And mostly, BREATHE. Take in oxygen, let your lungs expand and accept and appreciate. The world has its heavy share of sadness and anguish these days. For all those who are out there on the front lines, for all those impacted by loss, for all of those who are struggling to find their breath as the virus moves in, LET US BREATHE. Let us open, willing to emotionally and energetically support those who need it, and let us breathe, that we can connect with humanity and with our own magnificent built-in healing system. Slow, deep breathing shuts off that sympathetic system that keeps us fighting or running or petrified. Slow, deep breathing turns on the immune system, relaxes the muscles, allows digestion and clear thinking. Slow, deep breathing is ours to embrace in any moment.

Put your hand on your belly. Allow the breath to drop in, follow it down, feel it pushing out your tummy. Feel it maybe even expanding into your back, or your sides. Feel where it goes. Allow the breath to leave, naturally, the belly and chest sinking, the muscles in your stomach relaxing. Can other muscles relax, as well? Little muscles, even… in the thighs, in the shoulders, between the eyebrows. Breathe in slowly and expand. Breathe out slowly and release. And repeat.

My sweet, extraordinary mother passed away in November of 2013, and other than struggling to breathe towards the end, she died peacefully. Her final words, replete with a far reaching wisdom that speaks to me every day, and now more than ever: “Every breath is a gift from God.”