What I Breathed For Yesterday

12 Breaths. 12 Moments. One Intention: Love One Another.

Yesterday at noon, I paused.

The world kept spinning — but I stepped out of the swirl for one minute.Twelve breaths. Twelve intentions. One unshakable rhythm: Love One Another.

This is what I focused on — what I felt — as I breathed:

First breath – I breathed to come home. Not to a place, but to myself. I had been scattered all morning — distracted, rushed. This breath gathered me. I love one another by returning to presence.

Second breath – I centered myself. Right here. Right now. I let go of past loops and future plans. Just this inhale. Just this exhale. I love one another by being fully here.

Third breath – I softened. I unclenched my jaw. I dropped my shoulders. I welcomed myself into the space of stillness. I love one another by loving this body I live in.

Fourth breath – I thought of those who are weary. The friend battling depression. The child crying quietly at school. The stranger I’ll never meet, shouldering invisible burdens. I love one another by holding space for the tired and tender.

Fifth breath – I honored those who carry others: the single parents, the nurses, the teachers, the truth-tellers. I love one another by respecting strength, even when it’s silent.

Sixth breath – I remembered the broken. I sent love to those imprisoned, internally or externally — and those who feel unseen. I love one another by refusing to look away.

Seventh breath – I celebrated the healed, the whole, the ones shining bright today after many dark nights. I love one another by rejoicing in their light.

Eighth breath – I smiled at the Earth. The trees. The bees. The seas. I thanked the web of life that sustains us. I love one another by loving what we all share.

Ninth breath – I invited connection. I imagined someone breathing with me, somewhere else. I felt their presence. I love one another by knowing I am not alone.

Tenth breath – I thought of my family — my people — and I sent them silent blessings. Even the ones I struggle with. I love one another by choosing grace over grudges.

Eleventh breath – I opened myself to God. Not a concept, but a felt sense. I surrendered. I received. I love one another by letting myself be loved.

Twelfth breath – I smiled. Tears welled. Peace settled. For one holy minute, I felt what the world could be. I love one another because it is who I am, when I remember.

That was my minute. That was my rhythm.

Yesterday.

What will you breathe for today?