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EXPERTISE
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BREATHE
When your inner critic gets too loud, it turns on the stress response and can makeyou feel insecure or overwhelmed. Learning to relax that critical voice can help in these moments.Asyou become aware of the harshwords, locate the spots in yourbody where youfeel tension. You might notice tightening inyour stomach,your shoulders, or your jaw. Placeyour hand in the middle ofyour chest and enjoy itswarm, gentle weight amidst the discomfort of self-judgment. Letyour breath come and meet this place from the inside. Thenfind something nice to say toyourself. In otherwords, interrupt the critical tirade withsome kindness. If you can’t quite believe these kindwords, say other words thatyou do believe. Stay withthistill you feelyour body and mind become calm andyou can be more present with yourself and others.
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THIS MONTH’S EXPERT MARGARET TOWNSEND is a certified breathwork and Hakomi practitioner in the Portland, Oregon, area. She has taught for 25 years, blending her training in shiatsu, reiki, qigong, yoga, and other disciplines. Find her at thelivingbreath.com.
Photograph by Maura McEvoy
