Hopping Off The Horse (And Why That’s Okay)🐴

Dear Brilliant Breather,

In a recent breathwork session, the memory of me getting back on the horse after I had fallen and broken my arm emerged. But, this time, the story lines shaped up a bit differently.

"I decided to get back on the horse after I fell and broke my arm so I wouldn't be afraid of horses in the future", I used to proclaim.

How sweet, and there's no way six-year-old Sarah was totally bought into this idea.

The adults around her were and I'm thankful for their encouragement because I don't have a fear of horses. But, while it may be obvious, my 34-year-old body now understands that it is okay to say,

"I'm ready to get off the horse," or "I don't want to get on the horse, today, but maybe tomorrow."

What I didn't realize then was that this story about horses was about something bigger - my relationship with saying yes. I have had a habit to overcommit, say yes out of fear or control, or because I didn't want to prioritize.

Now my body feels safe not just getting back on the horse and never leaving the saddle, but practicing discernment to know when to get on, off, and back on again.

Try this seven-minute recording that I created for last month’s MVP Healthcare’s Blood Pressure Breath Break Series, which guides you through the resonant breath. Before you hit play, pause at the top of the inhale and ask yourself: what horses are you currently riding that might be ready for a rest?

Sending you slow breaths,

Sarah

PS. I love how this realization aligns with the next community workshop. If you're a fellow horse lover, join me at Serenity Stables on September 20th for a day retreat featuring horses, sound, reiki, and a beautiful breath walk where we will end on the dock with some vocalization and release. Use the code RETURN for $25 off your ticket.

LATELY IN THE LATE DAYS OF SEASON OF THE INHALE HOLD

BREATHING: I’ve been playing with more active breathwork over the past couple of months. This has looked like guided sessions with Brigette and on my own where the inhale is two-part, fast, and the exhale is one, swift motion.

READING: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt — a heartfelt journey of aging, finding oneself and among other things, it showcases how octopuses can absorb a small amount of water through their skin, cutaneous respiration, allowing them to survive out of water when their skin is moist, pretty cool!

LEARNING: While the breathing rate increases in front of screens, the amount we blink declines, which leads to increased headaches, light sensitivities, and difficulty focusing while reading. More of a reason to practice the 20-20-20 rule. In breaths, this means taking 2 resonant breaths (inhale for 5 and exhale for 5) every 20 minutes, which I’m going to start trying.

WRITING: I’ve been digging writing verses with the breath intertwined. I wrote a breathing poem at Karen Carey’s Kintsugi Workshop at Wiawaka. It is titled Inhale, Get Big, you can read here.