Talking you onto the ledge

I recently listened to the Radiolab podcast “Breath.” I was blown away by the narrative explaining how the yet to be born baby makes the transition from breathing through the umbilical cord to using its lungs in a matter of seconds. What magical, amazing and capable entities our bodies are!

I found the podcast so intriguing I mentioned to a friend ready to give birth to twins any day now. She shared with me her plan to have a natural childbirth. My first reaction was “honey?!”, but then I reflected on the podcast and remembered how capable our bodies are and if we trust the process, our body will find a way to succeed. Pain is but a sensation, it is not pleasant but it will end.

I am reminded of daily possible annoyances that are also just sensations and if we frame them as such, circumstances will become more tolerable.The yoga studio is too hot, the water is too cold, that weight is too heavy, the pause at the end of the exhale is too long, fasting makes me hungry. Our bodies thrive under stress, what can be perceived as intolerable situations could actually be strengthening our natural rebuilding tools and turning on the body's innate abilities to thrive and survive.

Extreme hot temperatures turn on production of stem cells.

Submersion in cold water shocks and opens the circulatory system.

Lifting heavy builds increased strength.

Withholding the breath deprives the body of oxygen, decreasing the negative effects of oxidation.

Fasting activates the ancient systems that regulate various metabolic and insulin responses.

Be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Come on out on the ledge.