Riding the Waves of Life

Breath doesn’t change the waves of life, but it changes how we meet them.

There is something deeply grounding about standing at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, watching waves rise, crest, and crash onto the shore. The rhythm is familiar. Comforting. Powerful.

Life, much like the ocean, moves in waves.Some days, the water is calm and serene, gently lapping at our feet. Other days, the waves come crashing in with force, unannounced and overwhelming. We don’t get to choose the waves that come our way. But we do get to decide how we meet them. Breath doesn’t change the waves. It changes how we receive them.

As I prepare to leave the Atlantic and venture toward the Pacific Ocean, I am aware of this truth. Tamarindo is known for having some of the best surfing in the world. I am not a surfer. But I am someone who practices riding the waves of life. Surfers don’t fight the wave. They read it. They respect its power. They align their body and breath, trusting their ability to stay present as the wave carries them forward. In many ways, living well asks the same of us.

Through breath, I may not change the wave that arrives.But breath softens my response to it. It steadies my body. Breath gives me space between action and reaction. When life feels turbulent, breath reminds me that I am alive and I am grounded.

Wherever you find yourself today, may you remember this:You don’t need to control the ocean to stay afloat.Sometimes, it’s enough to breathe, trust, and ride the wave.

An Invitation to Breathe

As you watch this video of the waves, allow it to become a brief breathing practice. Let the sound and movement of the ocean guide you.

• Inhale slowly through your nose as a wave rises.• Exhale gently through your mouth as the wave breaks and returns to the sea.• Let your shoulders soften. Let your jaw unclench.

Continue for five slow breaths, or as long as feels supportive. The waves will continue to come and go.Your breath is always here to meet them.