Slow Your Breath Down: Grabbing those small moments of connection
Start here… listen to this song.
So many of my favorite songs are associated with pleasant memories. I suppose that’s what makes these songs move beyond being just ordinary. This particular song by Future of Forestry was the first song I had ever heard by this band. Since then, I have come to greatly enjoy their other stuff; however, this particular song has been elevated into the slot of favorite, and it’s because of the recollection of a moment.
The afternoon I heard “Slow Your Breath Down” for the first time has been cemented in my mind. My husband, who is a musician and great lover of all kinds of music, discovered this band for himself and wanted to share it with me. He called me into his office where he had been working. Opening his laptop, he pushed “play” and the music started. As it was playing, Chris stood up and gently grabbed me around the waist. As he held me close, we danced slowly. We swayed intimately in each others arms in the middle of his book-crowded basement office as the children looked on. Though we had an audience, my husband and I were experiencing a moment of tenderness and intimacy that we rarely experience in a house full of crazy kids.
Since then, every time I hear this song I feel like dancing and crying all at the same time.
“Slow your breath down”.... that is what he gave me that day. He took me out of the rush and chaos of the schedule and carried me off to a place of love and peace. Chris has had that effect on me our whole relationship. Though he is crazy and fun, he gives me a calmness that does not come naturally to me. What a gift I have been given.
Whether you have children at home or not, life keeps us busy. It’s easy to overlook those magical moments; yet, our marriages need them. Pausing life for a brief few seconds to focus on your spouse can do great things for your relationship. I have noticed these benefits from random moments of connection:
• Rekindling of romance;
• Restoration after a time of struggle;
• Ignition of passion;
• Rediscovery of the joy of friendship; and
• Reassurance for the children.
The best part about these moments is that they require no planning and no spending. Spontaneity and simplicity are the only real factors. These “slowing down” moments can be…
• Dancing to a song on the radio;
• Grabbing a quick stroll down the street;
• Reminiscing about a special moment in your dating years;
• Quietly snuggling in a chair; and
• Praying together about a family need.
Listen to it again. Take a moment today and dance... all by yourself if need be or grab anyone near you and move together. Slow down.... and breathe.
The afternoon I heard “Slow Your Breath Down” for the first time has been cemented in my mind. My husband, who is a musician and great lover of all kinds of music, discovered this band for himself and wanted to share it with me. He called me into his office where he had been working. Opening his laptop, he pushed “play” and the music started. As it was playing, Chris stood up and gently grabbed me around the waist. As he held me close, we danced slowly. We swayed intimately in each others arms in the middle of his book-crowded basement office as the children looked on. Though we had an audience, my husband and I were experiencing a moment of tenderness and intimacy that we rarely experience in a house full of crazy kids.
Since then, every time I hear this song I feel like dancing and crying all at the same time.
“Slow your breath down”.... that is what he gave me that day. He took me out of the rush and chaos of the schedule and carried me off to a place of love and peace. Chris has had that effect on me our whole relationship. Though he is crazy and fun, he gives me a calmness that does not come naturally to me. What a gift I have been given.
Whether you have children at home or not, life keeps us busy. It’s easy to overlook those magical moments; yet, our marriages need them. Pausing life for a brief few seconds to focus on your spouse can do great things for your relationship. I have noticed these benefits from random moments of connection:
• Rekindling of romance;
• Restoration after a time of struggle;
• Ignition of passion;
• Rediscovery of the joy of friendship; and
• Reassurance for the children.
The best part about these moments is that they require no planning and no spending. Spontaneity and simplicity are the only real factors. These “slowing down” moments can be…
• Dancing to a song on the radio;
• Grabbing a quick stroll down the street;
• Reminiscing about a special moment in your dating years;
• Quietly snuggling in a chair; and
• Praying together about a family need.
Listen to it again. Take a moment today and dance... all by yourself if need be or grab anyone near you and move together. Slow down.... and breathe.
