Walk slowly, breathe deeply

In a society with so much pressure, slowing down and taking a deep breath every now and then is, in every sense, a way to calm ourselves, balance our moods and emotions.

When I was young, my grandmother often taught me many things. She said that people who walk slowly, speak moderately, and have dignified gestures and behaviors often have a comfortable life. Just by observing the way they walk and listen to the way they talk, you can somewhat guess their personality. From her teachings, I apply them to myself. Of course, I can't always be leisurely and slow, but at least, when faced with a difficult decision, I stop to have time to think more deeply and thoroughly before making a decision.

I still remember my first failure in life, when I failed the university entrance exam. All my efforts and hopes suddenly seemed to be gone. I locked myself in my room, cried and tormented myself. Seeing my friends eagerly enrolling in school, I felt even sadder.

I went to the fields, lived in a temporary house, with walls made of bamboo and roofed with thatched grass, as an escape. Every day, I silently hoeed the grass, tended the plants, did not want to see anyone and absolutely did not mention studying. But at that moment of facing myself alone, I thought through many things. Could it be that my 18 years old, all the effort I put into studying and all the dreams I had cherished for so many years, would end up unfinished like that? Then I brought my books and started to review my lessons. A year passed very slowly, it was the slowness of psychological time, stagnation and crisis. But it was also a precious time of slow living, so that later I could take steady steps on my own two feet.

During that year of living apart from the community, there were times when I had to sit quietly, let go of all thoughts and breathe deeply and slowly. Each breath helped me understand myself a little more, calm down, and be more mindful. The sadness gradually passed and hope was gradually rekindled.

Later, in my lessons on how to deal with negative emotions, I often asked students to close their eyes and take a deep breath. Deep breathing helps calm anger and ease sadness. Many students said that my method was simple but extremely effective. That is because deep breathing helps us slow down and restrain some bad action that may occur when negative emotions occur.

Every time I close my eyes and take a deep breath, I remember the saying of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh: “Breathing is the bridge connecting life and human consciousness. When encountering sad things in life, take a deep breath, exhale and let everything go.” I have practiced like that and let go of many things that could have negatively affected me, if I had kept them in my heart.

Many of my friends say that if they could turn back time, they would not act or behave as rashly as they did when they were young. It is true that “smartness does not come with youth, health does not come with age”. Youth has the advantage of physical strength and enthusiasm, but lacks life experience. Only time and experience can bring valuable lessons that help us realize many things, after losses, injuries and many expensive lessons.

If you have any negative emotions in your heart, slow down, close your eyes, and take a deep breath. Then everything will surely pass, gently.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/buoc-cham-tho-sau-post325357.html