As protests march on and the virus expands, we are reminded that, despite this, life goes on. We lose loved ones, we are faced with new challenges, and our resilience is endlessly tested. The locusts are coming. Florida has a 110-degree heat advisory. There is an earthquake in California. And, the Saharan dust storms are sweeping the country. We say, bring it on for we will dig deep and muster up our resilience!
The word resilience is an interesting one. It was originally a scientific term taken from Latin and, in 1640, was used to mean springing back. It was first used in English by Francis Bacon. In physics, resilience is the ability of a substance to absorb energy and release the energy as it springs back and returns to its original shape. One might think of a rubber band in this instance. We, as a nation, are continuing to have our rubber band stretched in ways beyond our bounds. We ask if we are capable of recovering from these current day difficulties and disruptions while jarring setbacks are a daily occurrence from this Administration. This is challenging and we know that rebounding is healthy and that we too must sally up the strength to do so. We continue to find energy in the fact that there are only 129 days until the election. In the meantime, we can start to look at the little things where we can make a difference and help us adapt and begin to recover.
One simple act is that of practicing healthy breathing. We thought this week about the new Covid-19 culture of wearing a mask. And what is the impact of doing so because many of us have been wearing masks in public for weeks and months? Yes, the mask is a friend and it may save our lives but wearing it can be a challenge on a psychological and physical level. The mask may scare children. It hides your smile. It can be uncomfortable and a distraction. At this stage of our lives, it is amazing to think that we must learn a new set of rules as we find ourselves speaking with our eyes. Seeking solidarity, we have given some of those in stores wearing a mask a thumbs up. With others we squint our eyes trying to smile from lid to lid only to have someone walk away and not acknowledge our attempt. This is a new world and one with new manners and new customs. As we somersault our way through it, we look to our resilience to keep us going. In the course of this, we help each other and share our experiences about this journey. And we know that we will persevere. For example, we had a dear friend over for dinner this week, sitting outside, social distancing in 94-degree heat. After all, people used to pay to go to steam baths. Ours, thanks to a Florida heat wave, was free! Life must go on and we all are finding ways to make that happen.
Breathing Matters! As we make masks part of our daily fashion statement, we wanted to remind everyone that this is a marathon so breathing properly is critical, particularly while wearing a mask. We want everyone on November 4th to be able to scream and holler as Joe Biden has become the 46th President of the United States. Just think…being able to use the word President again. So, please remember that breathing matters and breathing properly is critical. We each breathe over 23,000 breaths a day so make it count. Experts say that the best form of breathing is through the nose and out the mouth. When you have your mask on, try to remember this routine for it makes breathing through a mask less challenging. In the nose and out the mouth. Also, try practicing diaphragmatic breathing. For 5 minutes a day, while at home, inhale though your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth. Opera singers do this exercise all the time because it quiets the body and the mind and fills the lungs with needed oxygen. It can make a difference. With 129 days to go until the election, that is around 3 million breaths per person. Make it count! More than ever, we need to accomplish the ”little things” to feed our bodies, our minds, and our spirits so we can truly be resilient.
Thanks to all of you for riding the wave of change with us. You are part of our 2Gals family and we appreciate that and everything you have done for us. You read, you respond, you are honest, and you challenge us to be better people.
As always,
Be Kind and Breathe
The older I get the more important taking breaths mean to me. Mindful breathing has become my thing as of late. Deep breaths in, deep breaths out. My daughter says
“smell the flowers, now blow out the birthday candles”…that’s her rendition of mindful breathing.😁
The first thing I do after removing my N95 mask (8.5 hrs later)…is take a deep breath. When someone frustrates me, (like #45) I no longer give them energy. Instead, I use my energy to breathe, breathe away the negativity. Breathing has become a saving grace, especially knowing…actually seeing that someone’s last words were “I can’t breathe.” (Thank you for highlighting the importance of breathing…AWEsome.) I look forward to more reads!
Hi, Camille, this is Andrea. Maggie always talks about how special you are and what a difference that you are making in other people’s lives. I can’t wait to meet you. Thank you so much for your comments. They are very thought provoking and such great advice. It is so easy to get caught up in the negativity in our country and around the world and feel hopeless. You and your daughter made me really think about mindful breathing even more. And, once the birthday candles are blown out, the cake can be eaten. I’m with her! ❤
We appreciate your comment. This is an act of love and right versus wrong for us. We work diligently to research our topics and ensure that we combine facts with our own opinions. This is our voice in this crazy and ever changing world. Bottom line…promote peace and social justice for all. Thanks again.