Let's return to the breath

Let's return to the breath.

In the midst of the frenzied busy-ness of life these days, I feel like we all may need this reminder now. Remember to take time for yourself. Take time to just sit. Even if it's a few minutes, make the commitment.

I know how busy you are. I am too. But I strongly encourage you to set aside five minutes at least one or two times a day when you can go off and just breathe and settle. No one will notice or should object. It takes as long to use the rest room or longer to smoke a cigarette. So, just get up, walk away from your desk and go to a different place -- not your usual work or conversation or eating place -- and sit. And just breathe.

I know everyone doesn't have this kind of job. If that's you, try to find five minutes before you get to work, maybe even just after you awake. Or after you leave but before you get home. Or just before you put your head on your pillow. Whenever you can fit it in, try to. Please. It's important for you, and for all of us. We all need to take time to just center ourselves, sit and breathe.

This past week I read The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, written in 1900 by L. Frank Baum. It's NOT the Judy Garland version. To begin with the ruby slippers are actually silver shoes. And there are many more adventures and characters than in the 1939 film. Still, at the end of the story, the message is the same -- Dorothy had the power to return home all along.

So do you.

Your breath is the silver shoes, or, if you prefer, the ruby slippers. Either way, you always have the power with you; indeed, within you. Close your eyes and take a deep breath, metaphorically clicking your heels together. Three times. Three breaths; in, deeply, out, fully. Breathe in. Breathe out. Once more. And just sit. Be. Appreciate. Do it a little longer. There is nothing else to do. Reconnect with all that is. And, you will find your way home.

You carry the power with you always. All you need to do is to know. And believe. And go there.