There’s a moment when you pull into the driveway, turn off the car, and sit there for a few seconds before going inside. The engine stops. You can hear the neighbor’s dog or the leaves skittering across the pavement. Meanwhile, in your head, you’re still answering an email you read an hour ago. That’s a good moment for a humming reset.
That little stretch between arriving and actually feeling like you’ve arrived is a good place to try something I’m sharing in this week’s Sound Sanctuary. It starts with a hum.
You probably already hum without thinking about it. A song follows you out of the grocery store. A few notes sneak out while you’re making coffee. This time, let the hum be one soft, steady note. Feel the little buzz around your lips. For the length of that breath, you have something right here to pay attention to.
Try a humming reset in three breaths
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Take an easy breath in.
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With your lips gently closed, hum softly as you breathe out. Let the sound taper off whenever it feels natural.
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Take another easy breath and repeat twice. After the third hum, sit for a moment and notice what you feel or hear.
The driveway works. So does the edge of the bed or the kitchen while you’re waiting for the kettle. Try it in one of those moments when you have a few seconds before the next thing needs you.
Leave a little room for what’s good
I like to make a little more room for gratitude in November. Some days, the thing I’m grateful for is as ordinary as coming home to a light someone left on for me.
You can still be replaying that email in your head and be glad the porch light is on. Both can be true. So after your third hum, see if there’s one small thing you’re glad is here. You might find it right where you’re sitting.
This Sunday in Sound Sanctuary, I’ll guide you through those three breaths in The Humming Reset: A Simple Way to Feel Calmer. Come hum with me.
Wander with intention,
Matt