Patterns: Breath by Breath

Life is full of patterns. They are the tapestry that weaves it together. When we are aware of these patterns, when we can reflect on, and recognize what they are telling or showing us, we can learn from them. There are patterns in everything from the flow of traffic to the migration of bird and insect species. Patterns become apparent over time as they are recurring by nature. They do however require a keenness, an awareness, or a mindfulness to be noticed. Once they are noticed, they can be leaned into or changed, as needed. We are not limited to seeing patterns. As creative beings, we make our own patterns. Our hearts beat in a rhythm and our breath falls into patterns as well. Though these things may seem involuntary and out of our control, a focus and awareness on/of them is all it takes to realize they too can be affected. If we take our breath for example, and pay it some attention, we may notice how shallow or deep it may be. We may notice how just thinking about it can cause a change in the pattern. We may notice how a change in breath patterns can change other patterns within other systems of our bodies. The frequency of our breaths can affect the rate of our heart’s beats. Deep breaths may deepen our thoughts, calm our minds, or ease anxieties. This is how pattern recognition can change us. But, what lies beyond momentary awareness? What does a prolonged look at the bigger picture show us? When we are consistent in our attentiveness and intention to the patterns we create, we can breathe new life into our behaviors, thought processes, even our physical well being; moment by moment, step by step, breath by breath.