Breathing seems automatic enough, but breathing deeply, fully filling the abdomen and chest, on a regular basis is not automatic for me. I have used breathing practices in the past mainly to shift my focus from pain. When I was a competitive cyclist, I would focus on my breath whenever climbing up mountains or any time things were intense. When I gave birth to my sons, breathing deeply during my contractions shifted my focus just enough to make the difficult ones bearable, helped me relax and empowered me all at the same time. And I’ve taught Jude to use breaths to ease frustration, pain, and anger.
For me breathing deeply helps me stay grounded. Instead of allowing the rush of the world to take my breath away, breathing deeply helps me remember to pause long enough to recognize and appreciate my connection to God and others and helps me expel anxious energies that serve no one.
In Roger Jahnke’s book, the
Healer Within, he gives the example of a man who had 107 activities in his daily life that reminded him to breath deeply. So I’ve been trying to develop my own list. Here is my short list of a dozen …
When I open my eyes in the morning…I remember to breathe deeply.
When I see my son or husband (or anyone) for the first time in a day…I remember to breathe deeply.
When I notice the sun’s light as it first trickles through the trees…I remember to breathe deeply.
When hear the geese honk, the osprey cry, or the kingfisher’s rattle….I remember to breathe deeply.
When I hear the tea kettle whistle…I remember to breathe deeply.
When I sit down to eat…I remember to breathe deeply.
When I open my door…I remember to breathe deeply.
When I feel the wind…I remember to breathe deeply.
When I feel frustrated or nervous…I remember to breathe deeply.
When I feel grateful…I remember to breathe deeply.
When I kiss my son or husband goodnight…I remember to breathe deeply.
When I close my eyes at night…I remember to breathe deeply
“The word inspiration, which means literally ‘to breathe in,’ also refers to the rush that we feel when overtaken by spiritual energy. Inspiration is what we call the force that impels us forward into life with enthusiasm; it is the divine influence that brings forth creativity and vitality. The breath is a powerful link to the most profound medicine that we produce within us physically, mentally, and even spiritually.” ~ Roger Jahnke,
The Healer WithinInspired blessings~
This is my version of Mrs. Eliot's buttered scones. I've made these many, many times, and they seem to have universal appeal. I've even gotten the comment "these are the best scones that I've ever had." We sometimes have clients stay in our cottage showroom, and I like to provide them with everything that they need for breakfast. These scones are always made and even though there may only be 2 people staying with us, there are never any left behind.
In a large bowl, measure out 1 cup of white whole wheat flour (I use this a lot. It's fine like white flour, but it has the whole grain and therefore the nutrients) and 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour. You can also use 1 1/2 cups of white whole wheat flour or your flour of choice. If you use only white whole wheat you may need a bit more flour as your dough will be wetter in my experience.
Blend the dry ingredients with a whisk and add 4 Tablespoons of butter. Work the butter into the dry ingredients with your fingers until it looks like little crumbs.
While her body is deeply rooted to the earth with snow, she carries every season with her...she wears spring's yellow snapdragons and wisteria vine in her scarf, summer's nasturtiums and butterfly bush flowers in her crown, and autumn's hickory nuts make her smile while chrysanthemums make up her sparking purple eyes. She has autumn at her fingertips, but walks solidly toward winter with the memories, hopes and dreams of springs and summers swirling about her head.
I could have sworn she told me her name was flora, but Jude insists her name is jack! 
One of these vintage pillowcase packages still has its $1.00 price tag...not the yard sale price...the original retail price. I especially love the print on the right.
