A Five-Day Spiritual Workout: Day 2

Today's exercise helps you counteract worry or fear.

Day 2: Inhale, Exhale

If you are interested in surviving and thriving, you must stop and take the time to breathe. Something as simple as breathing properly can make all the difference in your life; it can help you to feel invigorated and inspired. For this exercise, practice relaxed, deep breathing. Become aware of the movement of air in and out of your nostrils and the movement of your chest and abdomen. Become aware of your body's need for oxygenation. By focusing on your body and the life-giving air you breathe into it, you will help to heal your life as a by-product.

When you are worried or disturbed, your breathing changes. You may become short of breath or hyperventilate; this can cause other symptoms and lead to physical problems because of the changes it creates in your body chemistry.

Make a point of noticing when you become worried or fearful, and in those moments, practice peaceful breathing. Become mindful of your breathing and the flow of air moving in and out of your nostrils, the movement of your chest, and inspire peace and light, and expire fear and darkness. Watch what changes occur when you do this, how the tensions throughout your body and mind are relieved. Let yourself be inspired through the deep relaxation that occurs. What inspires you will lead you to inspire. Life-enhancing activities enhance our ability to breathe in the life we are living.

_Related Features

Spiritual Workout Day 3: What's Your Theme Song? An Interview with Dr. Bernie Siegel Prescriptions for the Soul