In the midst of election turmoil and floods of messages from news outlets and social media, Rev. Deanna Hollas invites us to spend time with our breath and body.

Breath, Welcome, Transform invites us to go into the body where trauma is stored so we can begin to heal it. The practice begins with grounding in the breath. Research shows that breathing in and out through the nose, all the way down in the belly at a rate of four to six breaths per minute will take the body out of fight or flight mode, resetting it into rest and digest. The next step is to remember a time when you felt loved. Maybe this involves a person or a particular place. As you remember, you notice how being loved and held with compassion in your body. These feelings are anchors that you can return to as you begin to welcome and explore uncomfortable feelings.

In this episode, Deanna takes participants through just this. On behalf of RH, our prayer is that this practice will offer you some grounding that allowing you to go out into the world with more love and peace.

Rev. Deanne Hollas is the co-founder of Retreat House. She recently served as the Gun Violence Prevention Ministry Coordinator with the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship. She holds space –  for Breathe Welcome Transform every Monday at 1 on ZOOM. If you're interested in learning more send Deanna a note to deanna@retreathousecommunity.org.