Chapter 1: The Power of Breath

There's a poignant line in a poem by Mary Oliver that resonates deeply with me. It serves as both a bell and a gentle reminder. It goes:

"Are you merely breathing a little, and calling it a life?"

This prompts an additional inquiry:

Are you even conscious of your breath?

Isn't it astounding how our breath often operates unnoticed in the background? Most of us rarely pay it any mind. Yet, it is our breath that sustains our very being—Life breathing through us.

When we shift our awareness of breath to the forefront and fully engage with each inhalation and exhalation, something extraordinary occurs: we align ourselves perfectly with the present moment, which is the only reality we truly possess. The past is merely a recollection, and the future is yet to unfold. We are left with this breath, this present moment, filling us and then receding, only to return once more—without any conscious effort from us.

We don’t have to labor endlessly to fill and empty a bucket. Life seems to say, "Go ahead, attend to your affairs, and I will keep the quarters flowing to keep everything in motion. I am here for you."

Focusing on the silence between breaths is equally intriguing. For a few fleeting seconds, we experience a profound stillness in our chest, accompanied by the rhythm of our heartbeat—our body alive, vibrant, and self-sustaining.

Through such exercises, we come to realize how crucial our breath is, and how incredibly brief the moments we can go without it truly are. The impact is unmistakable when the air around us is unwelcoming, or when illness makes each breath a struggle.

Whenever breath shifts from the background to the forefront, we are reminded of our fragility and our reliance on our connection with Life.

"Are you merely breathing a little, and calling it a life?"

This summer, while pursuing my meditation teacher certification, I encountered an enlightening experience. We were required to participate in two-hour meditation sessions on Friday evenings, and one particular Friday, I felt an overwhelming sense of resistance!

Meditation has a unique way of illuminating what we need to confront about ourselves and our lives. The experiences on the cushion reflect a small piece of the larger tapestry of our existence.

As I settled in that Friday night, the sun began to set, and the candles I had lit cast a dim glow in my room. It became challenging to see my reflection on the Zoom screen. Instead of turning on a light, my mind began to play tricks on me: "Ah, my instructors can’t truly see me. They can’t assess my posture. I could lean back against the wall instead of maintaining perfect posture."

And so, I did just that. I edged closer to the wall and leaned back, feeling as though I had surrendered to the moment. After the session concluded, a voice echoed in my mind: "I got away with it."

This revelation struck me with electrifying clarity. It wasn't a triumphant shout, nor was it self-criticism; it was a clear acknowledgment: "Ah, so this is what my meditation practice is revealing tonight—my tendency to shortchange myself, to simply 'get by.'"

I refuse to settle for 'getting away with it.' I want my life to be a rigorous endeavor, leaving me exhausted each day from demanding a level of presence and authenticity from myself. I won’t accept a life that feels like merely breathing a little.

What expectations do you hold for yourself?

This is a vital question to ponder amidst the chaos. Numerous distractions vie for our focus, often lulling us back into complacency. Striving to remain awake and maintaining high standards for ourselves is no small feat. It requires us to sit upright when we could easily slouch against a wall and to switch on the light, allowing ourselves to be visible even when we wrestle with inner turmoil. Darkness is the ultimate refuge for hiding.

Recently, I came across a quote on Instagram that resonated with me: "Do not allow your loneliness to diminish your standards." When we are clear about our standards, values, and aspirations, we can hold ourselves accountable. This is why the spiritual directive to 'know thyself' holds such profound significance.

Understanding ourselves means recognizing the distinction between "I got away with it" and "I gave everything I could, and I am incredibly proud of my effort."

So, if you find yourself breathing shallowly or feeling disconnected from your own heart—merely going through the motions of life—it may be time for a reset. Perhaps this message serves as your reminder!

Return to the magic and wellspring of this present moment. Embrace your breath. Recognize its power. Feel it as Life breathing through you, in partnership with you, sustaining and cherishing you.

Acknowledge your own worth, your capacity, and your brilliance.

Against all odds, you exist. That is a treasure worth celebrating.

Learn more about my work and find tools to support your healing journey at: marywelch.com ❤

Chapter 2: Embracing Awareness

In this chapter, we delve deeper into the significance of being aware of our breath and how it shapes our experiences and interactions with life.