In transition opposites co-exist at the same time
A breath token is a breathing exploration that I develop for friends & clients and post as a gift.
In 2022 the breath tokens are about transitions. Transition literally means to “cross over, go over, pass over, hasten over, pass away,” from transire – trans “across, beyond” + ire “to go“.
In breathing, transition naturally occurs after the inhale and the exhale and vice versa. I’ve noticed that I tend to go over transitions, in breathing as well as in the every day, going from one thing to the next without paying attention to the space in between. Despite being aware that these transitions are happening, in breathing or in other behaviours, I find it really challenging to be present in them.
Together with you I’d like to explore the subject of transitions. I’ll post quotes, collect ideas or questions from people I know and from you.
If you’d like to share something about transitions, contact me at hallo@nicolacaroli.com.
This month I asked my friend Almuth what transition feels like to her.
„Having different feelings at the same time“, she said. „Some feelings have to do with what is coming, the new, the unexpected and some have to do with saying goodbye and letting go. Sometimes the feelings of one kind weigh strong, sometimes the other.“
Her view on transition as opposites co-existing translates fluidly into breathing. The inhale co-exists with the exhale. The question is, what does this co-existence of the inhale and the exhale feel like to you? Does it feel like opposites to you or more like unity. Which predominates, the sensation of the inhale or the exhale? What is easier, letting the new in or letting the old out?
This can, of course, change from moment to moment, from breath to breath.
I invite you to explore these questions and/or to explore the theme of transitions in your own way.
We can also explore these ideas through touch, movement, sound, writing and drawing…
Let’s stay in touch. Let’s be breathed.