By Beth Outtrim
There is always so much in Pema Chöndrön’s books that it’s difficult to choose something in particular to discuss. From this month’s book, Taking the Leap: Freeing Ourselves from Old Habits and Fears, one thing struck me and stuck with me more than anything else, Three Conscious Breaths.
Pema Chöndrön approaches Three Conscious Breaths with three distinct steps:
- Step one – Acknowledge that you have allowed something or someone to disturb your peace
- Step two – Pause, take three conscious breaths and lean into that feeling whatever it is; anger, disappointment, fear, etc.
- Step three – Relax and move on
I have been “playing with” Three Conscious Breaths since I finished the book about a week ago. I didn’t realize that I had actually been using all three steps until I sat down to write this. Of course I took step one – I wouldn’t have even thought to do three conscious breaths if I hadn’t paused to become aware that I was upset in some way. Step two I knew I was doing. In retrospect, I see that step three is exactly what I did after I remembered to take three conscious breaths.
This is truly the pause that refreshes. It is also the pause that is necessary for us to change old and/or ingrained habits. This is the month of new starts, new hopes as we make our New Year’s Resolutions. Three Conscious Breaths is a gold mine. If we can remember to pause, take three conscious breaths and relax we will find ourselves in an open frame of mind – the one within which we can make a conscious choice; we can step into our new habit or we can choose to stay in our current habits and behaviors.
A program that I was involved in years ago to quit smoking (I haven’t had a cigarette since August 31, 1981) helped me to change old habits with this bit of advice. Remind yourself that you have the choice. We always have the choice. We can change our minds again in a minute, if we want to, regardless of what we choose now. Three Conscious Breaths gives us a chance to stop and consider our choices. It also provides our minds and bodies with much-needed oxygen, which will help our general well-being regardless of choice.
