The Breathe Easy Deck
A couple of weeks ago I purchased a deck of 36 cards called the Breathe Easy Deck. They were for a friend’s birthday present, but I was so taken by them I bought a box for myself.
Later, I sent off an email to ask for permission to share them on my blog. Permission was granted and as a result, I’ve dedicated the month of May to Breathing Easy.
This Sunday I will publish the first affirmation so that you can begin to work with it each morning for about 10 minutes.
On the following Thursday I will publish a post that will give you an opportunity to practice this affirmation from a different perspective.
I’m thrilled to have permission to share from the Enchanted World of Amy Zerner and Monte Farber. Note that I have adapted the use of the cards for this purpose as I am only featuring four cards from this deck.
“Get your breathing back on track. These cards introduce simple breathing exercises, paired with affirmations and visualizations that you can use to harness the power of your breath and bring healthful energy into your life.”
Basic Breathe Easy Exercise
The following excerpts have been taken from the fold-out instructions included with the set of Breathe Easy cards. You will use this exercise with each of the cards that will be featured over the next four weeks.
Before picking a card… sit, stand, or lie comfortably with your back in a good posture. Close your eyes. Let anything that is stressing you rise to the surface of your mind.
Think about it briefly and watch it dispassionately, like it is happening to someone else, and let it go. Consciously relax your shoulders, arms and legs.
Slowly exhale through your nose, emptying your lungs to make room for a new supply of air. Take a deep breath, filling your abdomen and then your chest. Do not strain. Exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat, relaxing with the feeling of long, slow deep breaths.
Focus on the affirmation, breathing deeply in a uniform rhythm. Keep your focus on the intention of the card — don’t worry about the results.
Your inner self is learning to use the powers of your body and mind to create the healthy, balanced life changes that you desire.
Relaxed Concentration Promotes Optimum Learning
Our inner mental voice is always carrying on a dialogue — often, a negative one. We hear ourselves say, “I can’t…” or “I’m not good at…”
We can counter this negativity by making a conscious effort to use counteracting, positive affirmations. Coupled with visualizations and breathing exercises, these affirmations can enhance your energy flow and self-esteem, and put you in a state of relaxed concentration.
This is “the zone” where optimum learning, analysis, and planning can take place.
Breathing is something we do every day. But it’s also a powerful tool, one we can use to combat stress and anxiety, feel centred and connected, and have more energy.
Sunday’s post will be dedicated to the card “Flow” — a great way to start off your week!
How have you used breathwork or affirmations to your benefit in the past?
What other techniques do you use to relax?
Photo Credit: Andréia
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I finally decided to write a comment on your blog. I just wanted to say good job. I really enjoy reading your posts.
Hi Davina,
This sounds like it will be a fabulous series. I first read about deep breathing in a magazine and it was used for weight loss. Shortly after that, they had a infomercial on TV for the same thing. I’ve never tried the breathing techniques long enough to know if they have a benefit, so by following your new series, I’m hoping I learn the advantages. So far, it sounds very promising.
Barbara Swafford’s last blog post..Reaching Out To Help Others
I use breath meditation. I prefer it to relying on an object eg. beads. I wrote a quote myself the other day. It was an insight gained from my meditation session: “Let your Breath be your Guide; Feel the Presence of Your Being”.
I’m looking forward to reading more posts on this topic! Thanks!
Evelyn Lim’s last blog post..From Outer to Inner Space
Hi Davina – sounds like a very good way to create the right atmosphere of concentration for working with affirmations!
I’ve done a lot of breathwork, but it is a different type, also called conscious connected breathing – it’s used for a different purpose from this. I’ve discovered a relaxation technique for myself where I imagine parts of my body sinking towards the centre of the earth – I’ve often got rid of pain that way. c u – R
Robin’s last blog post..Life And Teaching Of The Masters Of The Far East
I haven’t used affirmations or breathing in the past, but I really think I should start. This sounds like a great idea and, of course, I was draw in by the title of this post. Every time I hear the word positively, I think to myself, “present!” This actually ties in with what you’ve written because I think breathing really helps us to stay in the present moment and to focus on the now. Thanks for posting about this. I really need to try it.
Positively Present’s last blog post..unlock 10 ways to be more open
Davina,
At one point I practised deep breathing three times a day and it did wonders for my mood and I daresay health. Thanks for reminding me to pay attention to my breathing again, and use it for meditation. I think the cards are a great idea!
Daphne’s last blog post..Dear Life Coaches
When I’m really busy or stressed, I sometimes stop and realize I am hardly breathing at all – I am holding my breath for long periods of time, or my breathing is very shallow.
This could be useful.
Vered – MomGrind’s last blog post..If You Want To Sell Something To Women, You’d Better Make It Pink
Hi Aaron.
Thanks for your comment. I’m glad you are enjoying reading these posts. I see you have a lot of great resources on your blog on the topic of credit. Good to know. Thanks.
Hi Barbara.
I hope you’ll enjoy this series. I’ve enjoyed working with the cards so far. The breathing will work in combination with the affirmations, and then with focus on the post later in the week. I’m curious to hear how this works for people.
Hi Evelyn.
I prefer working with the breath too. I don’t do it enough! Thanks for sharing that quote, it is a good one. I just might have to use it :-)
Hi Robin.
I haven’t heard of conscious connected breathing before. Your visualization intrigues me, especially since it has helped you release pain. The native Americans say, “Release it to the Earth Mother and she will recycle it.”
Hi Positively Present.
You’re welcome. Lol, I just realized the connection with the word “positively”. That’s cool. I agree with you, breathing brings you to the present moment. I hope you enjoy this series.
Hi Daphne.
Deep breathing is powerful. It amazes me how difficult it is to set aside time to do it. I hope this series will open that door again for a lot of people, myself included.
The cards are fabulous! There is just something about them, I don’t know what. But holding them in my hand… well, I’ve held lots of meditative cards before… these are different. I can’t put my finger on it. And the artwork on these cards is incredible. I wish I could have shared more than 4 with you but the 4 I have chosen are excellent. Enjoy your breathing today :-)
Hi Vered.
I find that even taking 5 minutes to stop and realize how off our breathing is can shift things. Like Positively Present said, breathing brings us back to the present.
I know that when I’m shallow breathing my mind is chattering away and I’m not going with the flow. The trick is to not get to that state in the first place. That is what these cards (and this series) are supposed to do. I hope this is helpful for you.
Whatever a person does to relax already, it is helpful to add to the reperatoire of ideas. Thanks for sharing such positive experiences.
Liara Covert’s last blog post..Where does one go from here?
Hi
I look forawrd to learning more about your expierience…I hope you enjoy the series.
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
Your readers will greatly benefit from this! I’m looking forward to reading more of this stuff :-)
And on the gorgeous deck of your home (as showcased in one of your posts a few weeks ago,) you’ll be a breathing easy on that deck with your breathe-easy deck.
Oooo, this is gonna be so cool, Davina!
P.S I’m very very fond of breathing!
Jannie Funster’s last blog post..I Found My Thrill… on Aventine Hill
Hi Liara.
You’re welcome. I’m happy to share. We can never have too many choices.
Hi Giovanna.
I hope you enjoy the series too :-)
Hi Jocelyn.
I’m excited about sharing this series. I think you will enjoy the affirmations.
Hi Jannie.
You’re funny… Funster :-) Hey, thanks for the reminder of that photo of the deck. I’ll go there with these visualizations. By the sounds of it, you will enjoy this.
I’ve always been one to take a deep breath to calm down and relax. But, I’ve never used it on a daily basis. I’m looking forward to this series…………………:)
LisaNewton’s last blog post..Twitter and the Lonely Shoe Story
This sounds like a fantastic series Davina!
I love anything inspirational and these cards really sound great. Isn’t it something how sometimes the best things come to us when we try to share them with others! That to me is one of the best examples of how contagious love, kindness and inspiration is – there is plenty of it to go around to everyone!
Evita’s last blog post..SkyWatch Friday – Morning Hues
Hi Lisa.
This series is just what WE need :-)
Hi Evita.
It is interesting how good intentions set other things in motion — you’re right. I hope you enjoy the series.
Good idea and fun posts ….I think breathing is good and apparently good exercise for my damaged muscle problem too…I with you on this one..
deep breath in, no straining…..ahhhhhhhhhh
patricia’s last blog post..anniversary
Hi Patricia.
Lol, this will be fun I think. I see you’re already in the spirit of practicing. See you Sunday :-)
Hi Davina,
I’m looking forward to this as it unfolds – sounds like a great way to work toward a space in our lives that will help us all connect a little more deeply with “us”.
Looking forward to what today brings, my friend…
Lance’s last blog post..Sunday Thought For The Day
Hi Lance.
That’s a great way to put it. I’m looking forward to sharing this and hearing how your experience unfolds. Cheers to a perfect Sunday!
What a great idea! Isn’t breathing easy what we all need today! I’m looking forward to more!
Hi Tess.
The best part is that breathing is FREE :-) I hope you enjoy.
Davina — WOW. This is some powerful stuff. I just did the prelim breathing and already feel my shoulders relaxing. I can’t wait to see the cards and practice the affirmations.
I know I’m a bit behind…our travel has been hectic. I will go and check out the first affirmation…this is cool idea for a series:~)
Sara’s last blog post..It’s okay to ask for help!
Hi Sara.
This is a nice surprise to see you here today! I’m glad you’re already feeling the benefits of this exercise. Hope you are settling in nicely after your trip. I look forward to hearing all about your adventures :-)
I love the first affirmation (I didn’t see a comment section). I am in the process of potentially buying a house and truly needed to read this affirmation today. Tonight I breathe in the ability to go with the flow of the home buying process. I am filled with the confidence that I will be carried to exactly where I should be regardless of the outcome of this home buying journey. If this house doesn’t work out, I know there will be another house. I breathe out my desire to control everyone and everything relating to this house buying process. Thank you Davina!
Hi Davina – As you know, I’ve not been about much lately and I’m sure I’ve been telling myself too many of the wrong things, so these positive affirmations sound like a good idea.
I am just checking out the first one you published on Sunday. And I think I would need to change them into my own words – I think they would have more meaning if I did it that way. I guess there’s no harm in trying it both ways though.
Hi Stacey.
You’re welcome! You’re actively going with the flow already by customizing the affirmation to your situation. Smooth. All the best for this house buying adventure to work out the way it “should”. Congrats Stacey.
BTW, Comments are purposefully closed on the affirmation posts to give those who want to participate the chance to focus their attention on the affirmation rather than reading and leaving comments.
Hi Cath.
Good to “see” you. I’ve noticed you’ve been quiet the last while. I figured you were just busy and prioritizing things for yourself. If you hear yourself telling yourself “the wrong things”, ask this, “Do I believe this?” I bet you don’t. That Saboteur voice is pretty convincing.
Stacey has revised the affirmation too. It would be a good experiment for you to try it both ways. However, I’d be curious to see what you are telling yourself that is causing you to “have” to rewrite it in order for it to have more meaning for you. And, I’m also curious what your version would sound like. Care to share?
Davina!
I am looking forward to this series! Although I have used breathing techniques before, I have been remiss lately. With me, I certainly know how to take deep breaths but my issue is forgetting to “breathe out!”
Of course you know how apropos this is right now! Thank you! :~)
Henie’s last blog post..Inbound Marketing Summit SF #ims09
I am finding those 3 sentences…
“I breathe in the ability to go with the flow. I am filled with the confidence that I will be carried to exactly where I should be. I breathe out my desire to control everyone and everything,”
positively life-altering.
Thank you!!!
Jannie Funster’s last blog post..The CDs Have Landed!
Hi Henie.
Yep, I know exactly what you mean. “Waiting to exhale” is no fun! I hope you are well, and adjusting to the changes in your life.
Hi Jannie.
You are welcome. I’m so glad! There are 35 more in the Breathe Easy Deck. It is fantastic. PS… I’m not signed up as an affiliate to sell these cards. I just think they are so amazing that I wanted to share some of them. Enjoy!
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