Frogs, Red Pants, and Breathing In and Out

on breathing deeply

“Just in and out?” asked bird. “How could that help?”

“Give it a try,” said bear, “and you’ll see.”

…
📸: Vermont Pride (53” tall x 36” wide)
…

When I was a little kid. I had a stuffed frog.

It was as big as me, and wore red pants.

When I was sad or scared or lonely, I would lay on my bed, wrap its rainbow-colored arms around me, and bury my head into its chest.

When I did this, I felt safe and held and comforted.

The world that often seemed to move too fast for me, too loudly, disappeared; replaced by the warmth of my breath, the muted sounds of my brothers and sisters, and the feeling of the frog’s fuzzy fabric against my face.

My little cares – which were big to me – melted away as I entered a kinder, softer, quieter world of my own making.

It was a place that all made sense to me, and I liked to spend time there.

Today, my hope – really, my wish – for you is that you can find such a place this week where you feel safe and held and comforted.

- May you find peace – because you are a light.

- May you feel love – because you are loved, you are loved, you are loved.

- May you feel safe – because you are a treasure.

- May you feel worth and value – because you matter, always.

- May you feel hope – because you are seen. I see you.

- May you come home to yourself, again and again.

If you need a little help, here’s a little intonation to repeat:

I breathe in.
I breathe out.

I am loved.
I am safe.
I am worthy.

I breathe in.
I breathe out.

I am at peace.
I am hopeful.
I am home.

Together, we can.