My Breath And Me

 

When I was young, I used to sleep with my mom and dad. They would tell me bedtime stories, sing lullabies to help me drift off to sleep, and at times, my mom would gently tap on my chest, creating a soothing rhythm that eased me into slumber. However, there were nights when I couldn't fall asleep, and it was my mom who would doze off before me. On those nights, I decided to play a little game with my breath – I synchronized it with my mom's rhythmic pattern, just for fun. It was a surprising revelation for me when we were asked to track our breathing rhythm today, as it reminded me of those nights when I instinctively followed my mom's soothing pattern to find calm and rest. I never realized the significance of those moments until now, and it's a sweet memory to reflect upon.

When we were tasked with tracking our breath's rhythm, I found it intriguing. I wanted to recreate a situation reminiscent of my childhood when I used to synchronize my breathing with my mom's soothing rhythm. So, I decided to experiment and see how aligning my breathing pattern with elements in my surroundings would affect my mood and emotions.

I decided to go for a walk and explore how my breathing pattern changes in different situations. As I sat on a bench in the park I saw the flickering of street light . As I gazed at
these lights, I noticed the steady and rhythmic pattern of their illumination. I decided to synchronize my inhalations and exhalations with the cycles of these street lights. Matching my breaths with the street lights I saw through the park was an unexpected yet fascinating experiment.

Inhale as the light flickered on, and exhale as it dimmed. This simple act created a tranquil and meditative experience. It was as if the street lights and I were engaged in a subtle dance, breathing in harmony. This experiment not only connected me with my breath but also with the environment around me.

The slow, deliberate pace of the lights' changes began to influence my own breathing, inducing a sense of calm and contemplation. The act of aligning with something as mundane as street lights transformed the ordinary park into a serene sanctuary. It was a vivid reminder that even in the hustle and bustle of the city, there are opportunities for mindfulness and serenity when we pay attention to the rhythms of the world around us.

Upon returning from the park, I was brimming with enthusiasm to delve deeper into this unique practice. The experience of harmonizing my breath with the rhythmic flickering of the street lights had left a profound impact, and I was eager to expand on it. I set up a calm and cozy space at home, armed with my sketching materials and the video I had taken in the park.

With a sense of anticipation, I played the video on my screen, and there before me, I saw the mesmerizing dance of the street lights. It was a fascinating sight, almost like a symphony of light and shadow playing out before my eyes. As I focused on this visual rhythm, I took a moment to centre myself, aligning my breath with the ebb and flow of the lights captured in the recording.

Inhaling and exhaling, I let the pace of my breath mirror the mesmerizing cadence of the street lights. With each cycle, I allowed my sketching to come to life, guided by the synchrony of my breath and the flickering lights. It was a deeply immersive and tranquil experience that transported me back to the park, as if I were drawing the essence of that moment.

The final sketch embodied  the rhythm of my breath and the captivating tranquillity of the park. It was a testament to the interconnectedness of mindfulness, and the world around us, highlighting the incredible potential that resides within us when we take the time to embrace these harmonious experiences.