14. Buffalo
00:01:01 Unknown: Today I want to tell you a story. It is one story that stayed with me because it's more than just a story. It's a mirror and it's a story about cows and bulls Because out on the open plains, when a storm begins to roll in, the cows turn and run away from it. It makes sense, doesn't it? The sky darkens, the air shifts, the thunder grows louder, and something in them say, run. So they do. They run. But the storm is faster. And because the cows are running in the same direction the storm is moving, they end up running with it. They get trapped in. They stay in the storm for longer. Suffering more than they need to do. But the buffalo, they do something different. When the storm rolls in, they turn towards it. They face the storm. And they run right into it. Not to escape it. But to move through it. And because they do, they reach the other side faster. The storm still touches them, but it doesn't define them. I wonder if you can feel the truth in that. Because we all have storms, the inner ones, emotional ones, The kind no one else can see. Maybe it's something outside of yourself that you cannot control. Or maybe there's something in your life right now you've been avoiding. A truth, a decision, a feeling. Maybe you've been running and maybe that's only made the storm last longer. So what if today you stopped running? What if you turned around, even just a little, and faced what's been chasing you? You're not alone. You're not unprepared. And you will have your breath as your anchor. So let's take a moment to do that now. To breathe, to be still, to come home for a bit.
00:03:35 Unknown: So, wherever you are, gently close your eyes if that feels safe for you. Let your shoulders soften. Let your belly loosen. Let the back of your heart widen. Just a little. Begin to notice your breath. Noticing is enough. The way it enters, the way it leaves, how it gently moves you, even now. Take a slow deep breath in through your nose and release it softly through your mouth. And again, inhale softly, slowly, a little bit deeper than the first one. And exhale with ease. Beautiful. Just continue with your breath, not forced, not shaped, just trusted. Feel the air as it comes and as it goes. Feel the ground beneath you, The way it holds your weight. The way it never rushes Let your breath move just like the buffalo. Steady, present, and strong. Moving through whatever weather arrives, knowing that the storm will pass. Just stay with your breath for a few more moments in silence. And when you're ready, gently begin to come back. Eyes soft, shoulders easy, breath still with you. I want you to remember that storms don't last forever. But the way we meet them is that shapes us. And I want you to remember that you have what it takes to face what's real. You don't have to run anymore. Not from your feelings. Not from the fear. Not from yourself. There's a quiet strength in you. And it knows the way through.
00:06:39 Unknown: Until next time. Let's begin within.
