In tai chi, it is said that your life has one continuous breath, begun when you are born and culminating when you die.
In between, our breath varies. When afraid, we clench and minimize our breath. When ill, we breathe through tightened passages and excess fluids. Wonderful are the times we breathe deeply and long.
We share breath with the plant world. We breathe in what they produce, they breathe in what we exhale. Effortless symbiosis.
We take on some habits that inhibit our breath. If you have seen someone die of emphysema or lung cancer, you will want to say to young people starting, “please, don’t smoke.” Do whatever you can to keep clean passage for your breath.
Some of us become sedentary and heavy, and our body slumps where it wants to expand freely with breath.
This morning, my allergies are reduced. I have breathed deeply and easily through my early morning community tai chi practice. I am working at sitting straight at the computer. I look forward to working outside in the dark soil and smelling what I rake, dig and plant.
I am not taking it for granted. I am appreciating my breath.
In tai chi, it is said that your life has one continuous breath, begun when you are born and culminating when you die.