*creative writing prompt*

What does it mean to you to breathe? When was the last time you really noticed your breath? What were you doing? Was there ever a time when you realized you had taken your breath for granted?

#theisolationjournals @MedHumChat 1/

My friend @suleikajaouad, who has survived the isolation of undergoing a bone marrow transplant, has started a beautiful project, The Isolation Journals. Each day she shares a writing prompt to stir reflection and build community. 2/ https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/suleika-jaouad-the-isolation-journals-coronavirus-quarantine

You can subscribe on her website and receive a daily creative writing prompt in your email: https://www.suleikajaouad.com/the-isolation-journals

You can also join The Isolation Journals community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theisolationjournals/?multi_permalinks=568352670479787&notif_id=1587684901878545&notif_t=group_highlights&ref=notif 3/

When @suleikajaouad asked my to share a prompt, my mind immediately turned to breathing. Here's the full text...

Breathing is on my mind a lot lately. As a doctor caring for patients with COVID-19, every day I see people struggling to breathe. 4/

I witness how the virus prevents the oxygen in our air from being delivered to their bodies. My team and I do everything we can to help our patients breathe freely again.

Breathing is central not just to our physical well being, but to our emotional and spiritual wellbeing. 5/

When we are scared, anxious, or stressed, our breaths become shallow and tight.

Breathing connects us to nature. We take in the oxygen released from the trees and exhale carbon dioxide into the environment. 6/

The trees use that carbon dioxide to grow, and in turn, generate oxygen for us. Our breath connects us to our planet and to each other.

Breathing is also a question of justice. 7/

In certain parts of the world, including within my city of New York, the air is polluted and suffocating. Eric Garner's final words, before he died in the hands of police, were "I can't breathe." To live freely, we must be able to breathe freely. 8/

Your prompt for today:

Because breathing is essential for life, it touches every part of our existence. What does it mean to you to breathe? When was the last time you really noticed your breath? What were you doing? 9/

Was there ever a time when you realized you had taken your breath for granted? 10/10

#theisolationjournals #alonetogether #medhumchat