breath practice

Breathing for the Hard Thing

3 · 5 min4 steps

Before you begin

Use before the difficult call, appointment or conversation. Name the hard thing once, plainly.

The practice, step by step — read it all first if you like

  1. Ground

    Feet flat. Feel the floor. You are supported for this.

    about 45 seconds

  2. Steady

    Breathe in for four, out for six — five rounds. Let the out-breath do the calming.

    about 90 seconds

  3. Rehearse

    Picture yourself doing the hard thing adequately — not perfectly, adequately.

    about 60 seconds

  4. Commit

    Silently say: I go accompanied. Then go.

    about 30 seconds

Accessibility

Can be done in a hallway, car or waiting room; no one needs to know you are doing it.

How long do you have?

Or read through it quietly above, at your own pace.