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
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How can you use “Stop — And Breathe” for your soul today?
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20 Comments
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!
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!
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 🙂
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.
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…
I can sure use stop and breathe between activities. In fact, I think I’ll lay down and do this.
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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!
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!!
Last year I realized that I wasn’t breathing. And I noticed the difference it makes to be mindful!
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.
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).
🙂 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.
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! 🙂
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
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