Why Work WIth Your Breath?

Breathing is an autonomic process, it happens whether or not we are paying attention to it. Tension or stress in the body create contraction and unhealthy breathing patterns which then become habits. Habits develop over time and can be changed with mindfulness and attention. Anxiety and depression change our breathing rhythms and can be eased when we breathe smoothly and evenly. 

Below is a simple, guided two minute practice of smooth, even breathing.

For two minutes, follow the flow of breath in the nostrils. Notice the coolness as you breathe in and warmth as you breathe out. Notice the pace and rhythm of the breath.

Breathing in this way is more important to your health and well-being than anything else you could do! This is quite a claim, right? It’s backed up by science and my experience teaching people meditation for twenty years.

Breath is the first-responder in our nervous system and alerts us to danger, anxiety or stress. Smooth, even, continuous, diaphragmatic breathing is the most powerful way to self-regulate the nervous system and emotion. By the end of this course you will understand healthy breathing and why it is important to you.

The mind can be our best friend and our worst enemy. Compulsive and compelling thoughts hijack our attention, especially when we try to sleep. You don’t have to follow along helplessly. Train your mind and body to relax and focus. Minding the gap, the transition points between breathing in and breathing out, provides a stable focus for the mind.

Our bodies know how to do this! Simple, guided practices walk you through the process and allow you to relax as you breathe. Stress and contraction lock in an unhealthy pattern of shorter breaths higher in the chest. Relaxing your stomach muscles allows the body to reestablish natural breathing. We count length of the breath and the number of breaths until a consistent rhythmic breath becomes second nature once again. 


Each segment features a video and a practice so you can feel the benefits immediately. The practices range from two to ten minutes, perfect for fitting them in to a busy life. Downloadable audios of each practice allow you to take them with you on your phone or other mobile device.

Habits develop over time. In two minutes you will notice an immediate change. In a month or two, you can transform your breathing habits to support your own optimal health. 

Complete and Continue