By 
Breath Prayer
Breathing in: Guide me…
Breathing out: …Guard me
Reflection While Taking a Break
Stand in front of the coffee machine (or tea kettle)
and deeply bring your shoulders up to your ears
in a delicious shrug to release tension.
Slowly prepare your warm drink with awareness of each action.
Be deliberate as you take your first sip,
allowing the tensions of the morning to slip away.
Close your eyes and see yourself in a favorite vacation spot.
Imagine this break will last for a very long time.
Invite a small smile to soften the tension in your face.
Maybe you can give yourself a few moments of silence.
Let yourself lean into the strength of an unnamed Source of goodness.
Ask for whatever strength you need to feel refreshed by these moments.
Allow yourself a deep, cleansing breath,
perhaps silently say the breath prayer: guide me…guard me…
as you leave your break and return to responsibility.
From the Bible
Blessed is the One who
Daily bears us up;
The comforter who leads us
To wholeness.
—Psalm 68
