4-2-6

Breathe in for four seconds. Hold for two. Breathe out for six. Repeat.

My therapist instructed me to do this technique when I was feeling overwhelmed

Something that I had been feeling a lot of lately

She told me that it would help keep me in the present

When the “could’ve been’s” and the “could be’s” cloud my mind

But I suppose it’s hard when you’ve never really seen a clear day

Like when a pit forms deep in my bowels

And my muscles tense so tight, a chill runs down my spine

Until I forget what it’s like to breathe

And the mind is funny in how it works

Like how uncertainty brings about the same feelings of terror

As familiarity

And loneliness is a comfort

When you’ve never truly been alone

And my therapist also says don’t look for what isn’t there

But she hasn’t seen what happens

When it sometimes follows you anyway

And you feel chills run down your crooked spine

At shadows who aren’t there

And yet they still seem clear as day

——

Breathe in for four seconds. Hold for two. Breathe out for six. Repeat.

My therapist instructed me to do this technique when I was feeling overwhelmed

But what happens when even oxygen can’t save you from the inevitable?

——

four

two

six

Have you ever felt the crushing weight of every moment all at once?

——

Breathe in for four seconds. Hold.

Do this technique when I’m overwhelmed

——

four two six

——

Just. Breathe.