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A Soul Care Meditation: Ruach, Embodied Breath, A Spring Blessing - Autism Acceptance Edition (Part Three)
- Andrea Angie (GA)
- Apr 28
- 4 min read
Updated: May 2
Today, we contemplate the embodied nature of ruach in our third installment of this four-part series.
Listen to the transcribed audio version (12:01 runtime):
The mothering presence we explored yesterday now takes on a physical form. In John 20, Yeshua's embodied action turns His ruach/breath into a commissioning gift.
The Spirit becomes an embodied companion, as tangible as breath felt on the skin, rather than a distant force. This transition from abstract concept to physical reality reflects the way many autistic folks experience the world—through concrete, sensory encounters rather than theoretical constructs.
When Yeshua breathed on His disciples + said, "Receive the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit)," He was reenacting Genesis 2:7, inviting them—and us—to be filled anew with that same Ruach, the breath of God that brings life + renewal.
Embodied Bubble Breathwork
The same Ruach that initially hovered over creation now guides us through our embodied experience, helping us navigate both sensory challenges + spiritual depths. Thus, when our breath becomes scattered due to overwhelm, grief, or numbness, the Ruach breathes with us, through us, providing space for every gasp, every pause, every sacred effort to start anew.
In these moments, a simple, playful practice can be a balm: blowing bubbles. It's one of my preferred stimming practices. I have bubble bottles scattered throughout my home + carry one in my purse to pull out to use whenever needed. I often blow bubbles at traffic lights and while stuck in Atlanta traffic jams (if ya know, ya know).
For those who find interoception (the sense of your body’s internal signals) challenging, the breath can feel like a distant rhythm, hidden beneath layers of sensory static. If this is you, know this: your breath is still there, even when you can barely detect it.
Here is where bubble blowing becomes a sacred bridge—a way to "see" your breath externally when feeling it internally feels hard. As you blow a bubble, watch your exhale take shape, floating before you.
Exhale Slowly: This gentle act encourages slow, deep breaths. Notice the calm of release as you exhale. With pursed lips, your exhale lengthens, bringing ease in childlike wonder. Imagine blowing worries into bubbles, watching them float + burst, carrying away tension + stress, turning your breath into visible prayers—your breath made tangible.
Inhale + Be Filled: While inhaling, envision the Ruach flowing through you like a soft breeze, filling your lungs with sacred belonging. The breath of God + our shared breath unite in a holy dance, joining the divine rhythm present since the world's creation.
Follow the bubbles' path as they drift—a holy reminder that...
The bubbles can transform into prayers, and the breath becomes a holy dance of release + renewal. You are breathing the breath of God.
A Blessing - Embodied Breath
May you feel the tangible presence of Ruach in your physical body—in stimming, in movement, in rest.
May your sensory experiences become portals to deeper communion with the God who breathed you into being.
Amen + Asé
Reflection for Your Journey
How does your body connect with the embodied presence of Ruach? Here are a few you can add to your treasure box: (e.g., bubble breathwork, Breath Prayer, humming, and breath art)
Breath Prayer
Breathe in: I receive… Breathe out: …and I release (Repeat)
At your own pace, keep going, focusing on those two simple prayers..
Why: Aligns breath with divine presence, as seen in breath prayer traditions
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Vibrational Humming
Hum a low, steady tone, feeling the vibration in your chest.
Why: Stimulates the vagus nerve to regulate parasympathetic breathing
Breath Art
Use a straw to blow alcohol inks or watered-down paint across paper, visualizing Ruach "moving over the waters" of your creativity.
Why: Channels understimulation into generative expression
For April's National Autism Acceptance Month, affirm: "In this inclusive collective, I am seen, heard, and valued. Autism is not a limitation but a source of empowerment + self-expression. I will celebrate my so-not-typical self."
A Special Free Gift for You
To deepen your journey into sensory awareness + sensing pleasure, I invite you to download my complimentary PDF guide, Savoring Sensuality with Soul.
This pastoral guide explores the importance of presence, surrender, and gratitude in experiencing life's replete pleasures more fully. It offers pastoral care on how to engage your senses and celebrate your neurology.
Download Your Free PDF Here:
As you explore this resource, remember that your unique journey is a celebration of soulful living. May you find daring shalom + sensual pleasure in every moment.
With soul,
Pastor Angie
SOULjourner, go Deeper on my Autism+ page for more resources.
A Gift Set SOULution
Featuring The So Not Typical Soul Care Kit
A so-not-typical gift set to celebrate neurodivergence. Being typical is not the standard. Acceptance is. It's more than a gift set—a soul care sanctum.
As you embark on this journey with The 'So Not Typical' Collection, remember that Neuro ARTvocacy + empathy matters.
You're investing in a somatic practice of soul care to amplify your peace.
INCLUDED IN THE SOUL CARE KIT GIFT SET: Free Gift Wrapping included
1x - 8oz Non-toxic, Luxury Coconut Soy Wax, Candle (pick your essential oil scent)
1x - Pair of socks
3x - Assorted Greeting Cards: My momma is autistic, So not typical, Infinite spectrum of acceptance - 4.25 x 5.5 tent-style cards with luxe, embossed envelopes, nestled in a satin peach drawstring pouch
1x - College-ruled Journal, Bingo-guided back cover, ridiculously soft covers
1x - Faux Feather Pen
1x - Gold Electric Candle Warmer
Or you can BUILD YOUR OWN GIFT SET >>
Until next time,
Gift from your soul.
✧
Deepen Your Soul Care Journey
Beloved SOULjourner, as you continue to nurture your gift-giving practice, discover sustainable gifts designed to embody intentional gift-giving + connection.
Soulful gifting for social change in the soul care boutique. Be inspired to amplify your ARTvocacy through peace + play vibes.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only as I share my pastoral care, my journey, and bring to you valuable research. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing any medical concerns or symptoms, please seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
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