Breathing in Hope

Course Cut-OutMoving Through Trauma
Written By Austin Cavaliere

If you need help seeing Jesus in the middle of your struggle, or just feel like you are stuck, ready to move into growth and healing, connect with a Christian coach.

Excerpt: Grounding Exercise - Breathing in Hope - Trauma Session 5

Course: Moving Through Trauma

Speakers: Matthias Barker

Finding Calm in the Storm: A Simple Breath and Color Exercise

If you're feeling overwhelmed, with racing thoughts and an unbearable present moment, you're not alone. That feeling of being stuck in a never-ending cycle can be incredibly distressing. Let's try a different approach together, a simple exercise using breath and visualization.

The Exercise: Breathing in Hope, Breathing Out Fear

  1. Identify Your Colors: First, bring to mind the fear, the overwhelming feeling, the self-criticism – whatever is most present for you right now. Imagine a color that you associate with this feeling.

  2. Imagine Hope: Next, imagine a color that you associate with hope.

  3. Breathe with Intention: Now, let's breathe. As you inhale, imagine breathing in that color of hope, visualizing it entering your lungs. As you exhale, imagine breathing out the color associated with your fear or struggle, perhaps seeing it like smoke leaving your body.

  4. Continue the Cycle: Repeat this gentle breathing exercise:

    Breathe in hope (visualize the color).

    Breathe out fear (visualize the color).

    Continue this cycle at your own pace.

  5. Stay Present: Remain in this mindful breathing practice for as long as you need.

Finding Okayness in the Present Moment

Remember this: you don't need to force the thoughts to disappear or the storm to calm down in order to feel okay right now. You don't need to make that "fear color" vanish instantly. Simply focus on the rhythm of your breath and the gentle visualization of breathing in hope and breathing out fear.

It's going to be okay. Breathe in hope, and breathe out fear.

 

If you like the content, you can continue in a few different ways…

  • 1) See the outline below and check out other sections from the FFP course.

  • 2) Take the full small group course to your church community! The first course your church runs is free! Reach out to us here to learn how.

  • 3) Connect with a Share The Struggle Coach for one-on-one support. Let’s face it, some of us have tried kicking this thing, and we’ve had no luck. It’s time to start looking toward forms of support that can help us see and feel the beautiful life God has in store for us.

 

Moving Through Trauma

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Moving Through Trauma 〰️

Session 1

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Session 5

Session 6

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Session 8

 

Share The Struggle Courses

Share the Struggle Courses are topical expert led video courses to help you understand life’s greatest struggles and provide you with tools for navigating them. Moreover, STS courses create a space for you to connect with others struggling with similar things, experience belonging, and encounter God’s nearness in a place of wilderness in your life (pain, confusion, healing journey). Want to start a group at your church? Reach out to us here to learn how.

 

What Share The Struggle Believes

Here at Share The Struggle we believe Jesus is present with us in the middle of our pain and mess, and it is in that place that we often experience and encounter Jesus most deeply.

We understand the unique challenges faced by Christians dealing with mental health. Our mission is to bridge the gap between faith and mental health support, providing a platform where individuals can find resources, coaching support and guidance, all tailored to their spiritual life and emotional needs.

We invite you to explore our resources, share your journey, and find the support you need to overcome the struggles you face.

Austin Cavaliere
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