When we are born we inhale our first breath. When we die we exhale our last breath. In between we are called to notice the holy gift of breathing. Why holy? In Hebrew the word for breath is “ruach,” and it can mean breath, wind and spirit. In the beginning of creation the ruach of God moved over the waters. (Genesis 1) A wind? A breath? A spirit? It's up to your … [Read more...] about When I Forget to Breathe
breathe
Psalm 150 (Psalms on the Trail)
"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Hallelujah!" Psalm 150:6 At the conclusion of the 500+ miles of walking the Appalachian Trail down the spine of Virginia, I also concluded the third round of praying through the book of Psalms. The very last verse of the very last psalm reads, "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. … [Read more...] about Psalm 150 (Psalms on the Trail)
Breath Prayer
In my last post, I talked about how I have begun to pay attention to my breathing as I climb up steep mountain slopes. Attention to filling my lungs with air and pacing breath with my steps will certainly be a part of the long trek up, down, and across the heights and valleys of Virginia. But my focused breathing can also be a component of something other than physical … [Read more...] about Breath Prayer
Breathe In, Breathe Out
Let’s face it: breathing is essential. We cannot live on this earth without breathing. As humans we may be different in many ways, but the one thing that unites us is our breathing. Most of the time we pay little attention to this common activity. Singers and respiratory therapists would be notable exceptions. But breathing doesn’t stop for lack of notice. In a number of … [Read more...] about Breathe In, Breathe Out