Settling Into September: The Honeycomb Breath for Nervous System Calm

Hey there, and welcome. I'm Julia Cartwright, and I'm so glad you're here with me today. You know, it's early September, and there's this particular kind of restlessness that comes with the start of a new season, isn't there? New routines, new expectations, maybe even a touch of that old back-to-school anxiety creeping in even if you haven't seen a classroom in decades. So today, we're going to practice something I call "settling"—and it's exactly what it sounds like. We're going to let your nervous system know that right now, in this moment, everything is safe and well.

Go ahead and find a comfortable seat, somewhere you won't be disturbed for the next few minutes. You can be on a couch, a chair, even cross-legged on your floor. There's no right way to do this. Just find what feels good for your body today. And if you need to be gentle with yourself, that's not just permission—that's the whole point.

Now, let's begin by just noticing what's happening right now. Not judging it, not trying to change it. Just noticing. You might feel some tension in your shoulders, maybe your jaw. You might feel completely fine. Whatever you notice is exactly right.

Let's start with something I call the "honeycomb breath." Imagine your breath moving through your body like honey—slow, warm, and golden. Breathe in through your nose for a count of four, filling yourself like you're pouring honey into a jar. Hold that breath for four counts, letting it settle into every corner. Then, exhale slowly through your mouth for six counts, like you're watching honey pour out, smooth and unhurried. Let's do that together. In for four, hold for four, and out for six. Again. In... hold... and out. One more time, finding your rhythm.

Now here's where the magic happens. With each exhale, imagine you're releasing something you don't need anymore. Maybe it's that worry about the day ahead. Maybe it's tension you didn't even know you were carrying. With each breath out, you're making room for something lighter.

Continue that breath on your own for just a moment. There's no performance here. No one's watching. This is your time to simply be.

As we wrap up, I want you to carry this feeling with you today. When you notice that restlessness creeping in, come back to the honeycomb breath. Even one cycle can reset your whole nervous system.

Thank you so much for joining me for Relaxation today. If this practice resonated with you, please subscribe so we can do this together again. Take care of yourself out there.

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