Deep Breaths This current news cycle is wreaking havoc on my body, mind, and spirit. My body is letting me know that things are not okay. Muscle spasms in places I forgot I had are telling me to slow down and get a hold of myself. All of this is too damn much. It makes me, in the words of Marvin Gaye, wanna holler and throw up both of my hands. Now is a good time to center down to the simple but essential deep breath. One slow inhale—holding it at the top—and one slow exhale at a time. Returning to the breath, that signal that we are yet alive to see each other’s face. This time around, I am going to go a bit deeper. Beyond just breathing, there's the process of respiration: the exchange of gases–taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. Again and again, it keeps us alive. At a cellular level, oxygen helps break down the food we consume, releasing the energy our bodies need while removing the waste we don’t. Isn’t that what we also need spiritually? To breathe in the Spirit of God, gaining the power and clarity that the Holy provides. Then, to exhale the burdens that weigh us down—the toxins of despair and fear—the hindrances to our growth. There is too much in this world we cannot control, yet we let it take root in our minds and wear on our bodies. And there is so much we can do, but we often lack the energy because our breathing—both physical and spiritual—has been shallow. We try to do the work without the breath of God sustaining us. Beloved, we must return to the breath. We can't do this work while holding our breath and ignoring God’s Spirit. We need to engage in spiritual respiration—breathing in God’s power and breathing out what harms us—to strengthen ourselves for the work ahead. And we must breathe deeply, releasing what holds us back so we can move together toward life, justice, and flourishing. Breathe in… breathe out… I am inviting you on a sonic journey rooted in Black wisdom, Christian spirituality, and sacred sound. This was created to help us breathe, lament, ground, and rise again. There is no distinction between sacred and secular—only breath and spirit. Please join me. Playlist: Spiritual Respirations — Rev. Moya Harris, Senior Programs Director, Sojourners | 
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