Hi Nancy, starting with the breath work is so so calming. Thank you:)) Attended a workshop recently on gratitude and as you wrote, being open. When we are stuck in flight or fight, the body feels unsafe and cannot be receptive ~ open. Returning to the breath calms our parasympathetic system so that when calm, we can open to possibility. Accept and give of ourselves no longer in survival mode and protective. Loved how you started this post with the breath. Helps your reader calm down and be open to receiving your words.