Breathing Room : Poems of Rest and Retreat

With the world returning to its old, unsustainable pace (and expecting us to return with it), we all must learn how to make time to slow down, to pause, and to appreciate the beauty around us. In this inspiring collection of poems, award-winning poet and mindfulness educator James Crews models how the smallest moments of deep attention can also be the most joyful and healing. Each poem offers gentle wisdom and comfort, providing life-changing insights that will resonate long after the last page. There should be a room in every houseor office building set aside strictlyfor breathing. No speaking allowed,no phones, clocks, or other devicesmay be brought inside. Let the wallsbe empty and white, only potted fernsstirring near windows thrown opento a night-breeze bearing the scentsof jasmine and lilac. You can countif you like until your heartbeat slowsto its own natural pace, and your mind'sas blank as a page in the back of a book. If someone asks for directions, sayit's the room at the end of the hallwith nothing else in it but a few plantsand all the air you can breathe. AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR: James Crews is an award-winning poet and writer. His work has been awarded the Prairie Schooner Prize and Cowles Prize. He has also been featured in The New York Times Magazine, The New Republic, Ploughshares, and The Sun Magazine. UNIVERSAL THEMES: Crews's poems are accessible and relatable, exploring the universal experiences of rest, reflection, and renewal. ENCOURAGES MINDFULNESS: Breathing Room emphasizes the importance of slowing down and cultivating peace amid life's chaos. THOUGHTFUL GIFT: A gorgeous illustrated hardcover case, satin ribbon marker, and spot illustrations throughout make this a giftable collector's item that will be treasured for decades.