I have a habit that drives people crazy and keeps me sane.
I sigh.
I guess I sigh more than I am consciously aware.
Yet I’ve noticed that whenever my sighing is brought to my attention – “Please don’t do that” – I’m taking deep breaths for a very good reason.
We sigh so that we won’t scream.
There are several occasions in the course of our days when, without question, screaming is the appropriate response.
However, on this side of an electrified fence, screaming is not considered good form.
So we sigh.
First we breathe in, quickly and sharply, inhaling reality, acknowledging the present situation – the current hassle or disappointment, confrontation or challenge, long wait or lack of co-operation.
We hold our breath for a heartbeat.
Then we breathe out, slowly and deeply, exhaling and letting go of our initial response – our dismay, impatience, frustration, annoyance, disappointment, regret.
Letting it out.
Letting it go.
The act of sighing is a quiet vote of acceptance – of “getting over it” and moving on.
So should you feel the need to sigh today, by all means breathe slowly and deeply.
Breathe expressively.
Think of sighing as the hot air that make rising to the occasion possible.
Hot air that’s pent up will eventually explode, and steam can burn.
But steam that’s deliberately allowed to escape through a safety valve can be converted into creative energy.
So sigh without hesitation.
Sigh without guilt.
Sigh without embarrassment.
Sigh with pleasure.
Sigh more my friends, sigh more.

Inspired by Simple Abundance, Sarah Ban Breathnach



Mad Hatter (sigh. . "it's always teatime!")