Whenever I find my brain thinking too much or worse yet, talking to itself on rewind, I gently pull in a long, deep breath:
A breath deep enough to fill even the most remote spaces in my body.
Many years ago, when I first started taking yoga classes, I learned there are 3 chambers in the lungs. The first being deep and low into the diaphragm, the second, higher in the upper chest cavity and the third, in the back between the shoulder blades. Through exercise and focus, I have developed a practice to incorporate all three chambers into one very slow and cleansing breath-work routine.
To release this long pulled in breath is nothing short of calming and relaxing.
Inhale I AM and Exhale PEACE
Try it!
Start slowly because it can feel a little dizzying at first. Like every set of muscles, exercising and conditioning them is necessary! For me, this breathing method is an automatic reset button that helps me to maintain a calmness even on the most challenging of days.
I like to think of it as a way to expand the Divine from Within.
I think another great way to reset is just to LAUGH OUT LOUD and to find the humor in every single situation.
I think we can all use a little humor in our lives, now maybe more than ever!
Easter is here! Although quite a bit different than the celebrations of the years past, I am most grateful for the quiet time I have had to reconnect with the real purpose of this Holy time. It has brought many things into focus.
I have not done my traditional baking this year because there is no family gathering for which to share it. I have not made my usual rounds at all of my favorite specialty stores because many of them are closed for a little while. The outward display of the celebrations around Easter are currently on hiatus. As a collective group, my family, friends and I have all agreed to wait just a little longer to be able to gather around my table and celebrate together, Italian Style.
Yet inwardly, I have been experiencing profound moments of gratitude and JOY.
It seems as if I am looking through a changing kaleidoscope and my perspective of important people and things has gently reprioritized itself.
I guess this much time sequestered away can do that to someone.
Instead, I spend my days cooking rich, nutrient based soups and stews in large quantities and quietly I leave care packages at the doorsteps of some wonderful neighbors and friends. I have reconnected with long lost family and found support and friendship in the most unlikely of ways.
To see and experience life in this altered state has grounded me in the notion that my expressions of creativity are a journey into myself, a way to explore and find my own Truths. As I express more and more of my Truth, I know I am supporting my Soul by revealing the real me. I share these musings with you in the hopes that somehow my stories are a chance for me to make someone else feel that they are not alone in their human journey. We all have something to share with another.
It’s like breaking bread with those we love at the Easter Table.
Yes!
I have been baking copious amounts of bread lately, and it has been giving me such pleasure. There has been potato focaccia, pizza dough, Italian sesame bread, and rustic country loaves coming out of my ovens for weeks now. I usually make two to three loaves at a time, share most of it and then start all over again the next morning.
In this photo above, I have illustrated the initial steps to creating a dough full of air bubbles. From the overnight starter, the mixing of the wet and dry ingredients to create a sticky mass, to the final kneaded dough which is allowed to rest and rise.
I would love to know how everyone is doing and what you occupy your time with these days. For those who once commuted to work, what do those newfound minutes feel like? For those who work from home in relative solitude, who now have kids and spouses to share the workspace with, how are you handling the new energy? There are many changes happening here and everywhere. I hope it all balances WELL for you!
I love the Latin word INSPIRARE, which means to inhale! As we approach Easter Sunday, may we all take a collective breath in and exhale
Love, Healing and Peace.
For those of you so inspired, there will be a beautiful live event on YouTube tomorrow from the Duomo di Milano.
Andrea Bocelli sings to us all on Easter Sunday!
Happy Easter Everyone
PEACE
Find me on: Web
I HAVE BEEN BREATHING IN TOO AND EXHALING!SOMEONE Just told me 5 counts in HOLD for 5 counts and exhale for the count of FIVE!I have been doing through out THE DAY AS WELL……….
YOUR BREAD LOOKS DELICIOUS!
I”m off to find your CAPONATA RECIPE from last time!
MY EASTER TABLE WILL HAVE THAT ON IT!
MILLIE GRAZIE BELLA………….KEEP LAUGHING!!!
XOXO
Author
Happy Easter Monday💞🐣💞I do hope the Caponata turned out well! It’s the perfect accompaniment to lamb. I made a little rigatoni with marinara and whipped ricotta to start, followed by grilled racks of lamb and asparagus sautéed with olive oil and lemon. It was a very simple Easter this year!
We are still having lots of rain here in San Diego. My gardens are loving all the attention from Mother Mature.
Un forte abbraccio a te,
xOxOx
First, I love your dog…I do deep breathing for going to sleep and sometimes it quiets my mind, sometimes it doesn’t. I live in California, Simi Valley and we too have had lots of rain so the grass is thick and flowers everywhere, beautiful. Lovely post.
Author
Thank You! My dog, Leo, is an 8 year old Australian Shepherd. We lovingly call him the comedian in the family. He is energetic and goofy all at the same time. I find Simi Valley beautiful. I have only been there a handful of times, but the mountains are just awesome! I’m very happy that you shared a few minutes here with me. Thank you and Please Stay Well!
I find making dough of any kind to be therapeutic. I have made pizza dough and a focaccia. I enjoy the process. Easter was a quiet celebration this year but the three of us enjoyed it.
Author
I’m sorry I’m a little late to get this reply to you. I like to think that this time has given me the opportunity to really practice and improve my dough skills. There really is such a big difference between homemade and store bought breads. I’m grateful for the time to be able to do this. I’m hoping soon I will be able to have a few family members over for a simple lunch in my backyard. Time away from them has seemed endless. I hope you and your family are well. All my best to you.