Take a Deep Breath: Getting Caught Up in Those Truly Memorable Moments of Life

Life has a habit of moving fast. No matter how old you are, no matter what you have experienced or accomplished, there will have been a time at which you cast your mind back to recollect a moment from the past, and were shocked by just how long ago that moment was even though it seemed like yesterday.

Sometimes this can be a positive thing especially if you are stuck in a bad situation or are having a difficult time in life. Knowing that the good times will come back around sooner rather than later can be a real source of encouragement. However, more often than not, the thought of life racing by before our eyes is a terrifying one.

This is why it is so important to stop, to take stock, and to take a deep breath from time to time. This is our chance to seize the moments in life which really matter.

But what does it mean to take a deep breath? After all, the phrase is a commonly used one, but it is as figurative as it is literal, so why is it so universally deployed among different linguistic and cultural groups?

In Abrahamic religions, the concept of 'ruah' or 'the breath of God' is an important one. In this sense, the 'breath' becomes synonymous with the spirit; the life force which makes us what we are. In other religions - even those unconnected to the Abrahamic tradition - the concept of the breath of God is similarly important, and is at the core of spirituality in many cultures.

It is not so difficult, then, to see why the idea of 'taking a deep breath' has such cross-cultural significance. The air that we breathe is fundamental to our survival, and just consider the psychological and emotional benefits of taking in a steady and controlled breath of air when we are feeling scared or anxious.

So, let's not forget to take a deep breath and to simply be present in the moment, whether this moment is seeing a newborn baby, stumbling upon something spectacularly beautiful out in the world, encountering an amazing piece of art, accomplishing something impressive, or simply gazing upon a beautiful sunrise or sunset.

How do these moments make you feel? Answering this question is a big part of understanding the spiritual self, and becoming truly connected and in harmony with the world and with life. Don't let life pass you by; take a deep breath, and hold onto the moments which are truly special.

What makes you take a breath and find yourself saying “Wow”, that is the moment to saviour today.

Margaret Bell, AM - Founder and CEO of Chain Reaction Foundation.

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