Joanna Macy

Let us take a moment to appreciate breath itself. In mindfulness practices, following the breath in, then out again, becomes the path to calm and centeredness.

            In our faith tradition, breath is often a metaphor for the Spirit’s energy of creativity and holiness. In Hebrew it is known as ruach, which may also mean wind. In Greek, it is also called pneuma. Breath carries energy and intention. It manifests as voice and language. It gives form and meaning.

            Also, breath passes — by necessity and design — physiological barriers and boundaries that guard us. It connects the wider world with the inner aspects of ourselves. Breath touches what is vulnerable, hidden — mysterious and holy — within us.

On a more practical level, during the pandemic, we often breathe with masks and other layers of protection. Thus we cherish breathing as a safe and healthy activity. We are reminded not to take our airways, our lungs, and the healthy environment around us, for granted. At a fundamental level, breath is literally an essential ingredient to life itself.

So let us inhale. Hold our breath (if able to do so). Then slowly exhale. And give thanks for our breath. — Rev Gail

The Spirit of God has made me;
the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
— Job 33:4

To be grateful is to recognize the Love of God in everything He has given us – and He has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is a grace, for it brings with it immense graces from Him. — Thomas Merton

The great open secret of gratitude is that it is not dependent on external circumstance. It’s like a setting or channel that we can switch to at any moment, no matter what’s going on around us. It helps us connect to our basic right to be here, like the breath does. It’s a stance of the soul. In systems theory, each part contains the whole. Gratitude is the kernel that can flower into everything we need to know. — Joanna Macy