Bonnie Gray
  • Blog
  • Soul Care Quiz
  • Podcast
  • Books
    • See All Bonnie Gray Books and Resources
    • Breathe: 21 Ways to Stress Less
    • Sweet Like Jasmine
    • Whispers of Rest Book
    • Finding Spiritual Whitespace
  • About
  • Speaking
  • Contact

Feed Your Soul :: { Day 18 } Stop and Breathe

By Bonnie Gray • October 18, 2011 • 20 Comments

Remembering to stop and breathe is therapy for your soul.

Once upon a time, I went through years of physical therapy to recover from carpel tunnel syndrome, a form of repetitive stress injury (RSI).

The first thing they did was massage my muscles, to release them from the tension caused by repeating similar motions again and again… and again throughout the day.

The second thing my physical therapist took very seriously was my breathing. 

Bonnie, you’ve forgotten how to breathe.

You’re holding your breath.  All the time.

Stop — And Breathe

By holding my breath, I was holding all the tension in my body.  My muscles couldn’t find release until I retrained myself to stop and breathe.

Every time I approached my computer.

Put my arms down.

Stop — And Breathe.

Whenever I drank my water.

Don’t gulp.  Sip.

Stop — And Breathe.

Spiritual Soul Therapy

I added my own set of spiritual soul therapy to the practice of Stop — And Breathe:

Whenever I feel anxious…

Close my eyes and whisper “Jesus!”

Stop — And Breathe

When I feeling overwhelmed…

Remember Jesus hasn’t forgotten me

Stop — And Breathe.

Today, as you go about your day, I’d like to encourage you to be mindful.

 

Whenever you feel your soul gripped with tension, Stop — And Breathe.

If you dare to believe that Jesus really does care about you and your worries, lean into Him in the moment you need Him.

As you do, you will find His Spirit giving you the grace to carry you through, again and again. Until the end of the day.

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace..that we may find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

~~~~~

How can you use “Stop — And Breathe” for your soul today?

Pull up a chair. I love company and enjoy hearing your thoughts. Click to share a comment.

~~~~~

** Don’t miss! ** If you are new to Faith Barista, I’d like to invite you to join me on my journey this month — 31 Days to Feed Your Soul. Click to subscribe by email and get each post in this series served up hot and fresh directly in your mailbox.

To catch up and read all the posts in this series —

… Click Here!

 

 

Photo credit: makainoojousan via Photobucket.

 

 

soul food

Share With Others

Share Your Voice

Pull up a Chair

This is a quiet space for you and me. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Click to comment »

20 Comments

Get Faith Shots

Get each post served up hot and fresh in your mailbox.

[newsletter_signup_form id=0]

Feed Your Soul :: { Day 17 } Turn Up The Drama
Feed Your Soul :: { Day 19 } Unfiltered Soul Conversation

Connect with Me

Bonnie Gray

Welcome to Faith Barista – a blog that serves up shots of faith for everyday life. Posts brewed hot & fresh. Hang out. Swap some stories.

You Might Also Like

  • Never Been Kissed: When You Wonder If You’ll Ever Find “The One”

  • How to Choose Joy When Joy Seems Easy for Others But Hard for You

  • What A Vet Taught Me About My Personal Battles (10 Lessons From Vietnam)

  • If You’re Stressed About The Election: God’s 5 Powerful Promises To Encourage You

20 Comments

  • Reply Bradley J. Moore October 18, 2011 at 3:00 am

    When did we forget how to breathe?

    You were not the only one. This is such a good dose of therapy this morning as I begin my day. Even now I was rushing around on the computer trying to get some things taken care of before work… Now, I will stop. Stop. Breathe. In. Out. Jesus.

    Yeah, that works.

    Thanks, Bonnie!

  • Reply Frances October 18, 2011 at 4:48 am

    Bonnie, Thank you for speaking to me today.. I needed that reminder. Yesterday I saw an orthopedic doctor and was diagnosed with acute achilles tendinitis and must wear a “boot” and use a “walker” for approximately six months. I don’t think I have time for that; but your devotion had to come from God..He is still in control. I shall stop & breathe Jesus!

  • Reply Jessica October 18, 2011 at 5:40 am

    I’m a student nurse. My life can seem like one big giant ball of stress and tension sometimes. But today, I will trust in my Jesus and remember to stop and breathe 🙂

    • Reply Merissa October 18, 2011 at 5:42 pm

      I too am a nurse and I can TOTALLY relate to this! I found myself showing signs of burnout only three years into my career! I was also studying part time toward a masters degree at the same time as working almost fulltime hours. God is so gracious. He helped me switch gears fast, and I took the plunge, stopped working for a while and just did the full time student thing for a while. It was risky but I knew God was in control, and He knew what was best for me. I thought I needed to and COULD handle things they way they were. God is so good. He is def. the source and the air we breathe.
      Just said a prayer for you, Jessica, for peace, motivation, encouragement and a real sense of purpose as you’re working toward your nursing degree!
      God bless you.

  • Reply Dana @ Cooking at Cafe D October 18, 2011 at 5:48 am

    Such a good reminder.
    I’m going to see what I can do to remember that in my work environment. But, more importantly, in time when I’m feeling overwhelmed…

  • Reply Jeri T. October 18, 2011 at 6:21 am

    I can sure use stop and breathe between activities. In fact, I think I’ll lay down and do this.

  • Reply Barbie October 18, 2011 at 7:09 am

    This was just what I needed this morning. I can feel the tension in my body. I’m going to take a moment to stop and breathe in Jesus and let the stress go.

  • Reply Amy October 18, 2011 at 7:16 am

    Such a good reminder. I find that every time I get really stressed, I start to realize that I’ve been halfway holding my breath, and I can feel the tension from that.

  • Reply Dorothy October 18, 2011 at 7:16 am

    I’m a breath-holder, too! I constantly have to remind myself to relax and breathe. Thanks for the reminder to breathe Jesus in.
    ~ Dorothy

  • Reply Diane Yuhas October 18, 2011 at 7:22 am

    It’s funny, but as I read the words, anxious, overwhelmed, gripped, and tension, I suddenly realized my own own muscles were stiff with tension and I had to stop, breathe, and look to Jesus. Thanks for a most practical, spiritual tool.

  • Reply Shaunie Friday October 18, 2011 at 8:51 am

    I just love this Bonnie–as someone who deals with tension in various forms, this was such a simple and vivid reminder of one of the most elemental tools God has given us to deal with stress and tension. So weird that we forget to do something that is supposed to be automatic, but it’s so true and when you stop and intentionally focus on breathing, it feels so good and is such a relief you realize with surprise that you’ve actually been restricting your own breath!

  • Reply Jennifer October 18, 2011 at 9:18 am

    I’m bad to let stress and tension build up in my neck, physically, and in my soul, spiritually. Breathing has been my coping mechanism for physical relief, but not often relief for my soul. I’m going to try to be more mindful of my breathing today!

  • Reply Terri October 18, 2011 at 9:43 am

    Thanks for this, when I read Whenever I feel anxious…
    Close my eyes and whisper “Jesus!” A smile and comfort came to me. Jesus…His name is so sweet!!

  • Reply Amy Hunt October 18, 2011 at 1:37 pm

    Last year I realized that I wasn’t breathing. And I noticed the difference it makes to be mindful!

  • Reply Katie Hubbard October 18, 2011 at 5:04 pm

    I carry tension in the craziest places. I didn’t really understand stress and breathing until about a year ago. For me, stress and tension was my way of processing that things are out of control, that I can’t fix what’s happening. I’m on the journey to understanding how to let go of that and rest myself in God’s loving arms and BREATHE. It’s soooo good for your body and your spirit.

  • Reply Merissa October 18, 2011 at 6:22 pm

    Hi Bonnie

    Just want be a virtual “cheerleader” so to speak to encourage you in your 31 days venture. I have really been enjoying every one of your shots of faith —“keep it up sister!” (picture me shaking some pom-poms and doing what would be very poorly coordinated moves).
    You rock!
    *’spur’* (Heb 10:24).

  • Reply Katie October 18, 2011 at 6:24 pm

    🙂 Stopping and breathing sometimes so hard during stress filled times when I am overwhelmed. Yet it is truly essential to BREATH JESUS during those times. Thank you dear friend.

  • Reply Virag The Escapist mom October 19, 2011 at 3:11 am

    Great reminder as I am one of those people that holds the breath. If you start concentrating on breathing, you’ll eventually calm down. Thanks for reminding me! 🙂

  • Reply Elaine October 24, 2011 at 12:39 pm

    Oh my, it seems I have a lot of company forgetting to breathe. Chronic pain will do it, won’t it? Tendonitis at the knee following some other orthopedic issues and life tensions. Deep breathing is good therapy for both conditions. Thank you for this post, Bonnie. I was just away on vacation and one day as I tried to nap, I realized my hands were clenched in fists – where did this tension come from in such a wonderful, relaxing place? I was holding my breath, again. Thanks for this reminder of soul care.
    Elaine

  • Reply Feed Your Soul :: { Day 31 } You Are At Home All The Way | Faith Barista October 31, 2011 at 10:19 pm

    […] faithful. His voice continued to speak past all the airport buzz. I would close my eyes. Take deep breaths. Loosen my […]

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

SUBSCRIBE TO MY BLOG

Sign up to refresh your soul with God’s love and rest. I’ll send you encouragement to nurture your heart and wellbeing. I’ll cheer you on!

SUBSCRIBE NOW»

Pull up a chair. Refresh your soul. Be inspired with soul care, stories & encouragement here. Breathe. This is a quiet space to swap some stories. Share your journey. Be the beloved. Be you. Serving up shots of faith for everyday life.
Bonnie Gray

“Bonnie has often led the way to freedom and truth by going there first herself. Her ability to invite us in as readers into our own stories only makes this world a better, more healed place.” 

– Annie F. Downs, New York Times bestselling author of That Sounds Fun

“If you’ve ever been weary and needed room to breathe, then Bonnie Gray is the guide you’ve been looking for as you journey with Jesus to a new place of peace and freedom in your life.” 

Holley Gerth, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Powerful Power of Introverts

Order Now »

LISTEN TO BONNIE’S BREATHE PODCAST

VOTED 2022 CHRISTIAN BOOK AWARD FINALIST BY ECPA

“In a world crying out for kindess and belonging, this is a book needed for our times. Sweet Like Jasmine is a gift, a beautiful remembrance, that God treasures each of our broken hearts in His sweeping story of redemption.” 

– Ann Voskamp, New York Times bestselling author of The Broken Way

Order Now »

BONNIE IS A TRUSTED VOICE TO SO MANY – FEATURED ON

Archives

Compassion International Blogger

Compassion International Blogger

Sometimes it takes more faith for us to enter into a child's story than simply praying that it changes. Experience these stories unscripted.

Read the stories»

Facebook Twitter Google Plus Instagram RSS Pinterest
Bonnie Gray

Contact

© 2018 Bonnie Gray. All rights reserved. Website by Contemplate Design | Privacy Policy
Bonnie Gray
  • Blog
  • Soul Care Quiz
  • Podcast
  • Books
  • About
  • Speaking
  • Contact