The third in our ten-part series, An Espresso of Breath – exploring the still moments between inhale and exhale, between sip and soul.
This Moment, Chosen
Every choice begins here – in this one unguarded breath – this space. Before the words, before the worry, before the to-do. After the hustle, the pace, and the demands. And, during the small, yet sacred in-betweens.
Breathe out now.
Release all your air and as you, release all that you no longer need, all that no longer serves you.
Empty fully, just as you empty your mug to wash away the old brew. After all – how else can you fill your mug with what is fresh, lovely, and new?
Bring your awareness to a simple slow, gentle, easy exhale – the fall of your chest in the exhale.
Let it all go as the air leaves your body – the chatter, the scrolling, the nag of what was, and the tug of what comes next.
Breathe in now.
Begin to fill with new air – intentionally, patiently. Notice the rise of the inhale and allow it to soften your body, ease your mind. Let the air rise in you from the bottom up, without working at it. Just explore, play, discover.
“Quiet friend who has come so far, feel how your breathing makes more space around you.” Maria Rainer Rilke
A moment. The precious in-between. Choose it and it chooses you in return. Spacious. Free.
This moment. We have so very many of them. And, yet, so few of them, as each only exists for a brief instance – never to be again. Moments: tiny openings tucked into each day – each one a doorway awaiting our entry. The smallest instant amidst notes – each one unique, yet part of a whole – creating the entirety of the symphony of life.
This very moment. There’s no need to find more. You need only to notice it – play the note and step into the entryway, and slip through.
Moments come and moments go. Being in the most beautiful moment, makes it last and linger. Being in the most brutal moment, hastens it in its passing.
So, choose to be in this one. Awaken to what awaits you. Drop your shoulders, unclench your jaw, unfurl your brow. This moment: listen, smell, taste, touch. This moment: notice your brew, your body, your being. This moment: choose it by breathing out and emptying. This moment: choose it by breathing in and filling. Perhaps, your cup will runneth over?
Breathe out now. Release. Empty. Let go.
Breathe in now. Experience. Feel. Recover.
This moment. Chosen. And, it is simply and truly enough.
In Breath and Being, Heidi
— Written by Heidi M. Weiker, Sister, Storyteller, and Voice of Stillness at Espresso Momenti