T

For when

before bad news

Some conversations happen at a specific time and there is no early version of them.

four minuteschair, wall, or doorwayone hand below the ribs

Nearby in the notes

my teacher’s hands

breath

In for four. Out for eight. The exhale is longer because the exhale is the one that makes room. Three rounds.

240 seconds remaining

4 in · 8 out

shape

If you are sitting, let your back find the chair. If you are standing, let one shoulder rest against a wall or a door frame, whichever is closer.

Put one hand somewhere you can feel your own breath. That is usually below the ribs, not on the chest. Leave the other hand where it was.

You do not have to prepare what you will say. You can, if you want. You do not have to.

stay

Stay here until the door opens, or for one minute, whichever is longer.

one question before you go

What is the kindest first sentence you have?

another card

a cold morning

ten minutes

keep going

when the room will not stay still

three minutes

nearby note

my teacher’s hands

4 minute note

If something hurts, stop. This is not medical advice.