Kate Oliver, MSW, LCSW-C

I usually get an eye-roll when I mention the idea of breathing or paying attention to one’s breathing in my office.  It is so simple.  We all breathe all day, everyday.  As my dad would say, “It’s better than the alternative.”  This week, I want to give you a simple task to go along with your affirmation.  Pay attention to your breath.  Notice how you are breathing at different times of the day.  If each breath is felt most in your shoulders, try taking in a breath that fills your belly like a balloon, then lets the air out of the balloon.  It only takes a moment.

Take a deep breath- through your nose if possible- and let it out slowly.  You can even try the trick my meditation teacher taught me called the “mindsweep.”  When someone has entered your space and left a bad feeling…