Sighing

You do not know what to say or do, so you sigh.  You are sad and cannot express in words the hurt deep down inside your heart, so you sigh.  You are tired and your body feels the pain, and you just sigh because you do not know how to get relief.  Sighing is a natural physical expression.  It is the exhalation of a deep audible breath that releases emotions and feelings that cannot be put into words.

You probably sigh throughout the day without realizing it.  You can sigh out of frustration, grief, anger, and it is usually a form of release.  Sometimes you sigh to release emotions and feelings that seem impossible to share. Other sighs are an acceptance of the situation.  You can even sigh when the feeling of wonder and awe totally amazes and words do not adequately convey the moment. 

Sighing is also a way to take the focus away from you and your need to solve the situation.  You just sigh to yourself and know you could fix the problem, but you know it is not yours to control or fix.  Sighing also admits that the situation is what it is.  You cannot change it or make it better. Sighing prevents you from saying something you will later regret.

Sighing is also a prayer.  When life feels overwhelming and complicated, and you have no clue what to do or what to say, sigh and release the situation.  You tend to sigh more in grief.  Your life has changed because of the death of a loved one.  Your life is different, and you may feel alone.  Sighing is a way for your spirit to connect to God because words do not come. You are numb.  Sighing grounds you in the One who is always with you and allows your spirit and the Holy Spirit to breathe together and speak for you.

Sighing slows you down and puts you in the moment.  You sigh as you work, and oxygen fills your brain and lungs.  Sighing can wake you up, and it can also relax you.  Sighing can release anxiety and worry and remind you that you do not need all the answers right now.  Just be in the moment and slow yourself down.  Breathe in and breathe out.

This simple breathing technique has great power and results.  It releases sorrow, fatigue, frustration, and countless other emotions.  It is audible and usually heard by those around you.  When you are alone and sigh, it reminds you to take deep breaths, that the weight of the world is not on your shoulders, and that you need not have words to express your feelings nor to pray.

Sighing is also the way your body prepares and composes itself to share deep emotions. You take a deep breath and put more oxygen in your lungs and gives you a moment before you speak.  Sighing releases the negative emotions, and it is a way your body speaks after dealing with challenging situations.

Listen more to the rhythm of your body and your breathing.  Sigh more to release.  Sigh more and take deep breaths to bring more oxygen into your system.  Sigh more to acknowledge you have no words to describe your emotions, but sighs are words from deep in your soul.

Let’s sigh together!

Elaine J. Sturtz

Living In the Different

Check out Elaine’s blogs on her website – www.livinginthedifferent.com