Take cleansing affirmative breaths
Breathing seems obvious, doesn’t it? Tension tends to cause shallow breathing. Shallow breathing reduces oxygen flow to the brain and muscles, causing confusion and fatigue. When we feel apprehensive, we should breathe deeply and slowly.

The Tibetan Buddhist concept of Maitri is associated with the practice of tonglen, the act of receiving and giving, of taking and sending. In a chaotic circumstance, we breathe in what is heavy and dark and breathe out a genuine sense of kindness and tenderness. We envision our breath as comforting warmth.

For example, on the way over to her best friend’s house, Sandy pauses before getting out of her car. She says a short prayer (Give me the strength to help this wonderful woman grieving over the death of her husband). Then she takes a couple of deep, relaxing breaths as she arrives at her friend’s home. Before she gets out of the car, she takes a slow deep breath and gives a silent affirmation to herself, (You can do this Sandy. Be strong.). She leaves her car strides toward her friend’s home.

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Let It Go