It’s pretty simple. Fairly basic. And entirely necessary. The act of breathing is such a foundational function of life that most of us don’t even think about it. It just comes naturally. To most of us.
It’s not so easy for my great grandma who – at the age of 83 – is healthy as a horse if not for her asthma. It’s a daily struggle for my friend with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). And most recently my mom was challenged with an unbelievable shortness of breath because my future little person was comfortably lodged into her ribs. Like many things in life, the act of breathing seems to be one of those things that can be easy to overlook. We just assume that we will go on breathing, no questions asked. It’s not always that simple.
So you can imagine my surprise the other day when mom held dad’s hand to her belly and had dad feel the baby breathing. I thought it was absurd. But sure enough, dad confirmed the rhythmic movements and the three of us sat there in awe for a moment. I’m not sure I understand it, but I can’t imagine it’s very easy for the baby to be doing this practice breathing. Yet it’s possible.
I know the biblical phrase is usually thought of to be “all things are possible to those who believe.” Today I got to thinking about how that applies to those who breathe. Albeit challenging for some, taking a moment to pause and recognize the miracle of breath can change a person’s entire perspective.
It certainly did for my mom the other day as we all bore witness to those miraculous baby practice breaths. In those same moments mom realized something. She too could breathe. The baby must have shifted off of her ribs in a way that made it easier for her to breathe again. So there we were, one blessed family, sitting together in silence. But it was more than that because in those moments I was reminded to be grateful for something simple. Something basic. Something that comes pretty naturally. Breath. It might sound silly, but I love when life reminds us to celebrate the simple things.
Wiley's Wisdom 
I am so glad mom is finding it easier to breathe again, Wiles. You must be the wisest dog I know 🙂
Hello stranger! I’ve missed my favorite hugger around these parts. I hope all is well with you, and thank you so much for your kind words!!! Come and visit me some more soon! 🙂
To breath is the best thing and so simple… it means we are alive! It is quite amazing in meditation when you concentrate on your breath. Not sure if dogs can meditate though….. ???
It must be also amazing to feel the baby breathing, and giving your mum back some breath!
Us canines definitely meditate. People confuse it for sleeping, but we are actually quite busy in our minds when we appear to be asleep. 😉
Lots of love,
Wiles
Good to know, my sweet!
Hurrah, Wyles! The baby moved OFF your poor Mom’s ribs! Yes! Yes! Yes! I am pleased to report the HuntMode house is breathing well tonight. Grin.
It seems good breathing is contagious, just like joy. Thank you for your cheers – I shared them with mom and she was touched (as usual) by your thoughtfulness. 🙂
Lots of love,
Wyles
Yay for that little baby moving out of the way of your Mom’s breathing. Now she will be more comfortable. Whenever Mom meditates, she listens to herself breathing. I lean against her all night so I can listen to her breathing too!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
You’ve got the right idea as usual, dear Cupcake! I lean against my people all night to hear their breathing too – it’s fabulously soothing. I assume the little person will be calming as well….but I hear they cry a lot…so we’ll see. 😉
Lots of love,
Wiles
I’m sure a lot of things are possible when we believe. And to feel the breathing of your new brother is possible too :o)
You’re so wise, dear brother. Sometimes I wonder where I got it from, but it must run in our family. 😉
You are the wisest doggie around Wiley! Believe and you can have whatever you want. I for one, do not take breathing for granted, as I have asthma. If it was not for my inhaler, most of my days would be horrible while gasping for air. When you are young, you think you can do anything, but when you get older, things start slowing down and I feel that you don’t take things for granted any longer like you did when you were younger.
Dear Nikitaland family,
I am humbled to hear of the asthma you battle. And it is a battle, from what I know about it. Keep on fighting the good fight….and believe….and anything is possible. Except maybe dogs being able to fly. I keep hoping for that though. 😉
Lots of love,
Wiles
Reblogged this on Wiley's Wisdom and commented:
It’s as simple as breathing.