Heart - Focused Breathing

Shaftsbury, VT

In the rush of caregiving, even one intentional breath can make space for calm.

At Starry Bridge we encourage mindfulness for caregivers. This practice - shared by one of our program advisors - Dr. Jinting Wu, is a gentle invitation to reconnect with yourself through breath, especially in moments that feel overwhelming.

Heart-Focused Breathing™

Heart-focused breathing™ is a simple yet powerful self-care practice that can be especially helpful for parents of children with special needs, who often face ongoing emotional, physical, and logistic demands. By gently slowing down the breath and focusing on the area around the heart, this technique helps create a sense of calm, clarity, and emotional balance, even during overwhelming moments. The HeartMath Institute, which has conducted decades of research on heart-brain communication and emotional physiology, has found that heart-focused techniques can support emotional regulation, resilience, and overall well-being. For parents who are constantly giving their energy and attention to their children, this practice offers a quick, accessible way to reset and reconnect with uplifting emotions such as love, compassion, and gratitude. It’s a practical tool that can be used anytime to reset and restore, making it an essential part of self-care.

You can also explore a guided recording of the Quick Coherence Technique - a HeartMath practice that gently builds on heart-focused breathing. This 8-minute audio offers a deeper reset, helping you return to a more balanced and centered state when life feels especially heavy.

Quick Coherence Technique (CLICK HERE) - recorded by Dr. Jinting Wu (courtesy of the HeartMath Institute)

May this simple practice offer you a moment to pause, breathe, and come home to yourself.