Be what you are

Short everyday story

It's noon at home and, like every day, it's time to eat with my beloved Vassilis. As I go to sit down, I see the TV on, playing a basketball game. Usually, at mealtime the TV is turned off and we say our own things at the table.

In a split second, before I even realize it, the merry-go-round inside me begins.... "So he will watch a match at noon, now, while we are eating?", "Doesn't he want us to say a few words together, as always, to connect somehow?", "Is the match so important anymore?", "What has changed? Is something happening and I haven't realized it?" etc.

A barrage of interpretations and thoughts of insecurity, self-rejection and separation, which had absolutely nothing to do with what was really happening. And, to call a spade a spade, at first I didn't resist the temptation to project responsibility and blame onto my loved one, instead of getting in touch with my own part.

I take a breath from the belly and start to calm down and slowly come to my center. I smile as I experience the connection with myself and with my man, without necessarily having to talk or interact all the time - just sharing the moment and feeling loved and safe, even when one does something that doesn't involve the other.

As time passes, I begin to feel immense gratitude. Gratitude for my journey from fear to love through breathing, through Breathwork. A journey of self-discovery, deep connection, healing, and empowerment. To give me a second chance to finally live in a world where I feel that I am always enough and that I deserve to be loved exactly for who I am.  To become what I am...

And that's how life becomes sweeter, lighter, more peaceful and peaceful.

Every time I return to my breath, it is as if an inner path to my truth is opened. Where doubts, fears and scenarios of the mind predominated before, calm suddenly appears. The breath brings me back to the body, to the present moment, to what really exists – and not to what I imagine or fear. It is as if a knot in the chest is loosened and space is created for clarity, acceptance and love.

This is the gift of Breathwork for me: the ability to touch this center inside me again and again, not to get lost so easily in the interpretations and traps of the mind. Through practice, the body releases tensions and blocked emotions, while the mind calms down. Like rebooting from the inside out.

And it's not just about peace of mind. It is also the vitality that comes when I breathe deeply, the feeling that the energy flows freely again. I notice that I become more present with the people I love, more available to listen and connect without burdening them with my own inner insecurities. Small moments, such as a lunch at home, take on another meaning and substance.

Breathwork is not just a breathing technique; it is a life practice. It reminds me every day that I can choose love over fear, presence instead of automatic reaction. And in this choice lies real freedom.

Katerina Pantazi