breathe

I close my eyes and take in a deep BREATH, then exhale; remembering to BREATHE back in, and repeat. In theory, this should be a subconscious act, easily preformed. In my case, I often hold onto that BREATH and do not let go (exhale) until the need to BREATHE becomes dire. The BREATH, to me, is like a metaphor in life of the things I can not, nor should not, try to control. However, by my own human default, I often take-hold (inhale) and do not let go (exhale)…and MOST importantly, let go to LET GOD.

The exhale or letting go is the simple act of releasing hold from someone or something (fear, limitations, and/or strong-holds). It is recognizing and accepting change, and allowing forgiveness in a hurt or shortcoming inflicted on you or by you. Letting go is allowing yourself to LOVE or LOVE again, and receive that LOVE in return. Letting go requires FAITH in the unseen, and knowing that there is more beyond a particular moment or circumstance. In the purest form, letting go is allowing GRACE and BLESSINGS into YOUR SOUL with Open Hands and Heart for YOUR SOUL PURPOSE.

This is where things can get a bit confusing and at times can cause uncertainty in our lives. The act of not letting go (holding the breath or inhale) can be extremely deceptive. In one aspect, not letting go can be perceived as strength to endure, momentum to fight, and determination to keep forging forward in life with the “plan” – your plan. In my opinion, most people fight for what they want; they hold on, and keep moving forward with strength and full-determination. There is nothing wrong with a good-ole’ fight, however, you FIRST have to know…and be able to recognize YOUR opponent in this fight!

The next statement is meant to be said in the kindest and most respectful way possible! Ready to meet your opponent?

In most instances, that opponent is YOU…

Let’s get to know this opponent. They are typically easy to recognize because they can often be self-indulgent, and mostly demand to be addressed as ME, I, MY.

It is MY plan, about ME, My Ego and I; and MY (limited) knowledge of the larger picture that keeps ME holding on and not letting go. The deception of what was once perceived as strength becomes bondage. They are the chains that prevent one from moving forward with Open Hands and Heart; on the path of least resistance, and allowing GRACE and BLESSINGS which are intended for our SOUL PURPOSE.

Can you relate to any of this? Don’t worry, no judgement here… remember, I mentioned to you (in my about me) I have mastered the art of maneuvering backwards in life, on the path of most resistance, always following the road less traveled. Furthermore, I would say that I am a “recovering” opponent in My own life! However, GRACE allows us to keep learning, and mastering the beautiful art of BREATH-ing in this life!

Back to the BREATH……. `

Often that refusal to exhale or let go, has kept me in bondage, desperately wanting to move forward on my anointed path, but fearful that if I exhale (let go), it may be the last BREATH I would be able to take in before I could take-hold (inhale) onto something else. This train of thought can be suffocating and does not allow for unrestrictive, organic- continued BREATHING. That unrestrictive BREATH IS our God-Given Gift. However, it is up to us to accept and unwrap that gift. If not, we can continue to remain in a place that does not allow us to SETTLE (reference previous post). In essence, it becomes dire to BREATHE, and when panic sets in, (often without being settled), we can quickly take-hold of someone or something. When this happens, the distraction or detour path, allows us many experiences and opportunities to continue to learn and grow. Furthermore, it gives us the compass to reassess our JOURNEY for the best path for our SOUL PURPOSE.

For those I have had the pleasure of embracing with in the beautifully-humbling dance of Tango – when two strangers accept vulnerability, dancing heart to heart… There is no room for deception regarding the BREATH. Each and every time I embrace, I am reminded by my partner to BREATHE… to actively and consciously engage in the art of the inhale and exhale (while settling) prior to and during ALL movement.

So I ask… where are you in your life today? Are you remembering to BREATHE, inhaling and exhaling freely, or are you holding onto that BREATH until it becomes a dire need to BREATHE?

I would love to hear your thoughts, oh and… check out this Ah-Mazing (and relevant) fight-song to fill YOUR SOUL for YOUR SOUL PURPOSE!

LOVE, with all my HEART,

Natalie