From the Rector…
Just breathe. There is a lot of anxiety and fear in the world today—I don’t need to point out the obvious. This fear and angst often cause us to unconsciously hold our breath. Researchers believe we do this to prepare our bodies for a fight-or-flight response to whatever we perceive as a threat. Most people don’t even realize they’re holding their breath, much less how often they do it. It’s such a common response to stress that we may not even recognize when we feel threatened.
Breathing intentionally, however, can help relieve anxiety and break its hold on you—especially in situations where you subconsciously associate threat, like driving or rushing to a meeting. Intentional breathing is even more effective when you’re aware of your stress. It helps you regain a sense of power and control in the moment and clears your mind for creative thinking. It is no coincidence that the first act of creation was God breathing across the waters (Genesis 1:2).
The ruach, or breath of God, organizes the chaos, bringing order to creation as God divides the water from the air, the land from the sea, and begins to populate it. We continue to associate this divine breath with the Holy Spirit. Philologists who study ancient languages, have suggested that there may be a connection between early words and breath—that the breath became word. Yahweh is one of these words. The next time you take an intentional breath, quietly say “Yah” as you breath in through your mouth and “weh” as you breath out through your mouth. Continue breathing but now quietly sync think the words with your inhalation and exhalation. The word flows through your lips with the air. It is as if your very breath is God. Moreover, if Yahweh is a breath word, then God is breath—the primary force of life.
I practice this “Yahweh” breath whenever I feel particularly anxious, when I am asked a question I am not prepared for, or before speaking or performing a task. It centers me and grounds me in God, which calms me and gives me strength and courage. It allows me to embrace opportunity. By pausing for just that one second to breathe, I am choosing to be present and allow whatever happens next to happen—without trying to force things or react impulsively.
It has taken me years, but I’ve learned that if I simply release my need for things to go a certain way and allow God to let whatever happens next happen, I may or may not get my way, but I will find peace.
Maybe that is why I am so drawn to the act of breathing—it brings me peace.
Today is election day, something many of us have been anticipating for some time now. I have no idea what may or may not happen tonight or in the days to come, but I do know that as long as I center myself in my breath and manifest peace, I can receive that gift of peace beyond all understanding that God offers each of us.
Light and Life,
Candice+