During one of my last days in Maui, I went to Makena beach because I knew I would be able to snorkel there even though it wasn't early in the morning when the ocean visibility is better and the fish are significantly more active.
Once under water and closer to the reef, I swam around determined to see something. There was a spot where the current felt really strong. The wind was blowing across the ocean's surface causing the ocean floor to stir up sand and other particles. Despite the cloudy water, I continued to breathe through my snorkel with eyes wide open to what I might find if I was patient enough.
To my surprise, I stumbled upon a starfish that was swaying back and forth with each big wave. I couldn't tell if the starfish was dead or alive and before giving it a second thought, I reached out to grab it. I had never held a starfish in my hand before and didn't know what would happen if in fact it was alive. I rushed out of the water and placed it on a wet rock. I watched closely as it began to take a different shape and attach itself to the rock. Then I noticed that it was covered with what looked like miniature tubes that were sticking out and moving all around. I thought to myself, this starfish is living and breathing!
It was fascinating to observe what I now know to be called tube feet or papulae, which are little sacs all over the upper surface of the body that allow for oxygen to enter. This is how starfish breathe! These beautiful creatures have such a spectacular way of breathing that when you are up close and personal, the simple act of breath becomes completely mesmerizing. This led me to think about how all living things on this earth have to breathe in one way or another.
I often wonder how it is that we humans got to be so busy that we often forget how important it is to just breathe. In my work, I normally start out each session by asking clients if they are ready to go inward. At that moment, we close our eyes, we connect with breath, we begin taking deep breaths in and out as a reminder that we are now here, we are alive, and we are taking time to root and connect.
Finding the starfish on one my last days in paradise was a marvelous gift and reminder that breath is life. Think about it...without breath, there is no life.