Just Breathe
I wear an Apple watch—more like a computer on my wrist that also happens to tell the time. I keep my phone on silent; the watch tells me when someone is calling and, in a pinch, I sometimes answer the phone on my watch. Every time I do, though, I am reminded of my favorite television show of the 1960s, Get Smart—only he answered the phone on his shoe.
On my watch, I can read texts and emails, check the weather, look at photos, and track my workouts. My watch periodically monitors my heart rate and blood oxygen level. It often tells me it is time to stand up, but it also has the ability to alert me to any health concerns, like if my walking steadiness drops to a low level.
When I have misplaced my phone, I use my watch to find it. I can pay for items at the store with it. In fact, it can do a lot of what my phone does, as long as it is connected to my phone. This allows me to keep my phone in my purse or pocket and do what I need to do by using my watch.
But there is one thing my watch does that I find annoying. I am not sure why I let it get to me, but it does. Multiple times a day, my watch sends a vibrate reminder with one simple word:
Breathe.
Leading with my annoyance, I often respond with frustration to this inanimate object, "I AM breathing!"
The reminders are relentless, as if my watch has information that I do not, causing me to question myself. Was I breathing? Or, was I holding my breath? I have noticed a tendency to hold my breath in certain situations. I am not aware of it until I can hold it no longer and then I take a deep sigh to catch up on the oxygen I have been missing.
My watch is relentless with this reminder. Since I apparently have not mastered the art of breathing, I decided to use the reminder in a positive way. Now, whenever I am reminded to breathe, I think about what is going on in my world and in my day, as well as the effect it is having on me, as I take several slow, deep breaths.
Just breathe.
When I am anxious, I focus on my breathing—deep breaths in, deep breaths out, willing my heart to slow down to a steady rhythm. I am reminded of my Lord, who invites me to cast all of my cares on him.
Just breathe.
When I am overwhelmed with stress, feeling tension throughout my body, I take slow, deep breaths, imagining the intake of calm with each inhale and the release of stress with each exhale. I am reminded of my Lord, who invites me to trust him with all things.
Just breathe.
When I am angry about something gone wrong, I take deep breaths in and out, and with each one, list all of the things that are right about the day. I am reminded of my Lord and am filled with gratitude for all he provides.
Just breathe.
When I am sad or lonely, I close my eyes and fill my lungs with air, breathing slowly in and out and imagining God’s arms wrapped around me. I feel the presence of my Lord. I am comforted by his most Holy Spirit living inside of me.
Just breathe.
When I need to connect to my Lord yet don't have the words, I pray a breath prayer: (deep breath in) "Lord Jesus, son of the living God" (deep breath out) "Have mercy on me, a sinner."
My Apple watch only functions as it should when it is connected to my phone. I function best when I am connected to God. When the weapons of anxiety, anger, stress, and loneliness are being used to disconnect me from God, it helps to remember:
Just breathe.
Feel His presence.
God is near.
