The Scripture ~ For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of sound mind. 2nd Timothy 1:7 NKJV
The Spiritual Focus ~ Slow breathing is like an anchor in the midst of an emotional storm: It won’t make the storm go away but it will hold you steady till the storm passes. Russ Harris
The Devotion ~ The experience of fear is THE most unpleasant emotion. Whether fear is protective or not, most people who have experienced fear say they could live without it. This past week, fear spread across our nation. The fear of both real or perceived danger was experienced in a kaleidoscope of situations. It caused all of us to pause and address our own fears.
When we are afraid we freeze, stop thinking and stop breathing, it is a natural reflex. We do however have an anchor in these situations; it is something that is simple, accessible and necessary….breath. Whether we experience fear on a small or large scale, breathing through the fear steadies us, allows us to think and act appropriately in the moment.
In our faith practices we are reminded often to fear not. In our yoga practice we are encouraged to breathe, to never hold our breath as we hold our pose. In truth, practicing slow steady breaths in times we are afraid, helps our minds think clearly. We are reminded that God has promised that we need not fear. Breathing through fearful times is a yoga practice that informs our faith practice of trusting God’s promise to fear not.
Breath Prayer
Inhale ~ I will
Exhale ~ breathe
