Crisis and injury pull us out of presence and into panic. Panic impedes our breath, stiffens our bodies, and occludes mental clarity. From an evolutionary perspective, this effect on our biology has been appropriate. The freeze or flee approach was effective for many of the cave man’s problems, but not so in today’s world. A default response of panic is not only often unnecessary, it can be downright unhelpful.
Whenever panic strikes, focus on your breath.
No really. Focus. on. your. breath.
Inhale.
Exhale.
Inhale.
Exhale.
Allow your mind to fill with the logistics of each breath.
Repeat until your body involuntarily takes a deep breath, one that fully expands your chest.
Such that your body feels softer, and your mind feels calmer.
