Our breath is the great connector.  When we inhale, we bring into our bodies a sampling of the cosmos.  Breathing connects us to each other.  It connects us to our ancestors.  It connects us to those who will follow us.

 

Wherever you are in relation to your child, you are both breathing.  While your breathing proceeds involuntarily, it is one of the few involuntary acts that you can engage in voluntarily.

 

Today, allow the voluntary character of  your breathing to connect you more deeply to your child, ideally at a time when you are not together.  Do this with deliberation.  If it would be helpful, set the alarm on your watch or clock or make a note on your calendar for a specific time today when you will take a few minutes and use your breathing to connect to your child.

 

When the time arrives, become conscious of your breathing.  Exhale fully and then await your body's deliberate drawing in of air.  Allow your belly to expand.  Do this several times, relaxing muscles, especially in the shoulders and face.

 

Now, imagine your child appearing next to you.  Notice that your child is not breathing.  She is not starving for air, just not breathing.  With your next inhalation, place the palm of your hand on your child's belly.  As you do this, you notice your child beginning to inhale along with you.  As you reach the pause between inhalation and exhalation, your child looks to you and smiles.  Together, you both exhale.  Repeat this several times or as often as you like.