Breathing in life’s promise and possibilities
Megan Butler
May 1, 2010
On cool, crisp mornings I am reminded of God’s omnipresence. With every breath comes a little cloud that lingers just long enough to catch my attention. In every inhalation I receive the gift of life and an invitation to become more of myself. The exhalation represents the infinite possibilities available as a result of the inhalation.
A single breath embodies a miraculous synthesis of trust, awareness and gratitude. To fully embrace the present moment, I must trust that I will continue to breathe. Trust is the key to opening the heart so that we may experience the fullness of life and love. An open heart fosters the symbiotic relationship between awareness and gratitude.
If it were more socially acceptable, I would greet people with thank-you, rather than hello. I make a point to express appreciation to the beings I encounter each day whether it be a sales associate, family member, professor or animal — simply for being who they are. Each of us has a unique path of duty, defined by a line so thin that a great amount of diligence is required. Knowing how difficult it is to stay true to one’s duty I like to acknowledge each person as he or she navigates the path.
As a student, I have been blessed to have amazing professors who generously share their knowledge with me. I try to say thank-you after class. This simple act has allowed me to see beyond the lecture. Taking that split second to say “thank you” penetrates the distinction between student and teacher. I begin to consider the amount of work they did for the day’s lecture, in addition to maintaining a family or fighting an illness. I consider how many years it takes to even become a professor. Soon my professor is no longer a source of knowledge but a series of moments — once a child at play, an infant in a mother’s arms.
I remember that there was a time before my professor was even alive and I am brought to the miracle of the present moment. I become aware of the room that I am standing in and the clothes I am wearing. Even the books I am holding have new meaning. I am brought to my breath, my lungs expanding. I take notice of the weight distribution on my feet as I walk to the next class. I notice the other students — the light in their eyes as they laugh and smile. I become more aware of the solemn gray bodies, hoods up and faces down, hearts hardened, unwilling to trust. I am thankful for all that I notice.
Each breath is an invitation to become more of myself. With each breath I learn to trust a little more, to become more aware and to be filled with gratitude. I notice the interdependent nature of all things and am swept away in God’s grace, mercy, love and omnipresence. I invite you to take notice of your breath today and be thankful for what you notice. Thank you for reading this, friend.
Megan Butler is a student pursuing her undergraduate degree in religious studies at the University of Oregon and is a member of Eugene Faith Center. This column is coordinated by Lane Interfaith Alliance to offer inspiration, share personal spiritual experiences and bring a deeper understanding of individual faith perspectives with the intention of blessing our community and world. For information, visitwww.laneinterfaithalliance.org or call 541-344-0430.