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'Appen not hearing about cicadas was advantageous. If you've ever been to Costa Rica or anywhere where their umpteen yearly hatching transpires, you'll think jesus, why hast thou sent locusts to crawl in mine orifices? It's like trying to get rid of cock roaches. I actually did a girlie freak when one I thought was dead flew in my face. It was dead pretty soon after...or one that looked just like it.

I have probs breathing anyway, btw, never mind that, it sort of underlines why I enjoyed your article and poem. I was actually able to back off for a moment. Heh, one thing that used to stop me breathing deep, was when the yoga instructor asked it, but someone in our midst caused us to hold our breath. Mind you, with my gut they were lucky all that bending over didn't get them back. Speaking of which, can we also smell cave men's farts? Are we drinking crocodile tears? Well, we are all supposed to be one cosmos. That means you, me, Taylor Swift and Hitler are all in the same boat. Bring on the white water and thanks for some great literature, including the 60 odd geezer. (thumbs up emojo)

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“Well, we are all supposed to be one cosmos. That means you, me, Taylor Swift and Hitler are all in the same boat” Dead right, I accept that - it’s part of the human experience, that’s why we should only take our cues from the best of them. Somehow. But what blew my mind when I was thinking about the article, is that logically it’s not just the human stuff, but the animal kingdom too - and then all life!

Far out, man!

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Jul 4·edited Jul 4Liked by Mike O’Brien

Breathing is an interesting though important subject to look at and very much neglected. Those people I come across at work with awful Breathing problems exacerbated by panic really benefit from Breathing exercises 'Breathe from your diaphragm' etc ,although this is often accompanied by some colourful expletives from said patients.

I have often reflected on Breathing the same air as ,not historical person especially [though that's giving me something to consider ] but people in general some less savoury than others,

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