BREATHING ROOM
MARCH 8TH, 2009: I mediate often on the power of freedom and what this means in relation to having room to breath. Some years ago I read the book by Thit Nhat Hanh Peace in Every Step. In the book there is a story titled "Breathing Room". Sorry to say I didn't read the story until recently. But just the title had a huge impact on me.
What does that mean to you "breathing room"?
So you can interpret it in different ways. I took it literally, like wouldn't it be cool to have a room where we breath. That is in many respects the sacred space of the asana room at the studio. Interesting enough this is also what Thit Nhat Hanh is suggesting as follows:
"We have a room for everything - eating, sleeping, watching TV - but we have no room for mindfulness. I recommend that we set up a small room in our homes and call it a "breathing room", where we can be alone and practice just breathing and smiling, at least in difficult moments. That little room should be regarded as an Embassy of the Kingdom of Peace. It should be respected, and not violated with anger, shouting or things like that. When a child is about to be shouted at , she can take refuge in that room. Neither the father or mother can shout at her anymore. She is safe within the grounds of the Embassy. Parents sometimes will need to take refuge themselves. Therefore, that room is for the benefit of the whole family. I believe that every home should have one room for breathing. Simple practices like conscious breathing and smiling are very important. They can change our civilization." (the rest of this story is found in the book Peace Is Every Step)
Please enjoy this and look around your own home is there a closet, a corner, a room that you could designate as your BREATHING ROOM? I know there is. Why? Because we all had this as children except we called it a tree house, under our bed, secret spot by the big tree...you still have that available to you now (it just might be fancier). Wishing you freedom in breathing forever! Big Love, Silvia