We are on the countdown to the big moment, the BIG SHEW, the Birth to end all BIRTHS! Yes! We are 2 days away from the birth. We gather on the 24th to celebrate the coming, and yet, not nearly as many gather to celebrate the actual birth…something which has puzzled me for a long time.
I have not done any baking for festive cooking this year. I haven’t mailed any Christmas cards this year. There are some decorations at the rectory, but not many. I haven’t composed a Christmas letter…and I’m not likely going to. Why?
Because there is more “stuff” to do then there is time. And this year, for the first time ever, I am not skimping on my sleep. Traditionally, every year, I get sick after Christmas. Partly because I don’t eat properly, I don’t exercise properly or look after myself properly, and I certainly don’t sleep properly. This year I have been mindful in the invitations I accept so I can factor in proper sleep.
Maybe that makes me sound like an old woman, and if so, I’m okay with that. Age is a relative term. I’d like to stay upright through this season and into 2015. So far, so good.
One of the things I have missed doing is yoga stretches. I’m not the slightest bit graceful, nor do I pretend to be, but when I stretch out on the yoga mat and focus on breathing, I feel invincible. I feel like I can take on the world and do anything. And usually I roll up my mat, put it back in the carry bag and go back to work, feeling focussed and alive.
As a society I don’t believe we put enough energy into our breathing. I know for myself, when I am feeling stressed and overwhelmed I find my breathing to be shallow and rapid. When I become mindful of my breathing, I can focus better, think more clearly and make healthier choices for my life and those around me.
These next few days will be pressure filled. The crazy illusion that if I preach my best homily ever I will single-handedly bring folks back to Church. That one good homily will fill our little Church to the rafters. It’s not true. But the pressure remains. I have promised myself that I will put one foot in front of the other. I will take at least one short walk a day. I will eat healthy and save room for fun stuff. I will nap if time allows, and I will focus on my breath as often as possible.
Because without breath, we have nothing. When the earthling was formed, God breathed life into its nostrils and humanity began. Breath is essential, without it we have nothing. Without it we die. So from now on I will focus on life-giving breath, on slowing my breathing and focussing on life.
