We are “Human Beings,” not “Human Doings”

This is an English translation of an article published in Nikkan San on April 2, 2020, as a part of my column, “The Way of the Pianist.

The flowers are blooming again this year, but they find us in a different world. Who could have predicted a year ago that we would be under a nationwide lock down this spring. Covid-19 changed our daily lives and future predicament. We are worried about our health and the economy. Our jobs and routines were suddenly disrupted. We can no longer come and go as we please. And all of the sudden, we realize how we associated our identities with things we do.

But we are “human BEings,” not “human DOings.” You are not your words, or deeds. You already are. That is enough.

Studies show that deep breathing can reduce our fight or flight response. Breathing deeply breaks the cycle of panic. It releases tension, and helps you relax physically and mentally. Physiologically, anxiety can only last for ninety seconds. Anything longer than that is your consciousness perpetuating it. By learning to release your anxiety by breathing technique, you can reduce your stress and alleviate panic.

Breathing exercises can support the systems that have been harmed by stress. It can reduce blood pressure, and alleviate pain.

1. Release all the tension from your body. Relax your face, your neck, your shoulders…
2. Put one hand on your chest, and one hand below your rib cage.
3. Slowly breathe in through your nose, feeling your stomach expand against your hand, without moving your chest.
4. Slowly breathe out through a pursed lips, feeling your stomach falling inward, without moving your chest.

Do the above to a piece of music whose pulse is slightly slower than your heartbeat, at about 60 beats per second. For example…

We will get through this together. If there is anything I can do to help you, please do reach out to me. Leave a comment with questions, suggestions, or things you would like me to write about. Sending this out to you, with love.