06/09/2026
I’d like to talk about something we do every moment of every day, yet rarely think about—our breathing.
Yesterday, I listened to a podcast featuring Patrick McKeown, author of The Oxygen Advantage, along with Kelly and Juliet Starrett from The Ready State. One of the ideas that really caught my attention was how much influence our breathing has on our health, stress levels, and sleep.
Many of us go through life breathing without awareness. When we’re stressed, rushed, or anxious, our breathing often becomes faster, shallower, and more likely to occur through the mouth. The body interprets this as a signal that something is wrong, which can keep us in a heightened state of tension.
But the opposite is also true.
When we breathe slowly, gently, and through the nose, we send a message of safety to the nervous system. The heart rate slows, the body relaxes, and the mind becomes a little quieter. Our brain is spying on our breath all the time.
In yoga, we often say that the breath is the bridge between the body and the mind. What I found interesting is that modern breathing research is arriving at many of the same conclusions. The way we breathe can influence how we feel, how we handle stress, and even how well we sleep.
One quote from Patrick that stood out to me was: “The perfect breath is the one you don’t notice.”
Simple, quiet, effortless breathing is often a sign that the body is functioning well.
So here are three simple practices we can all try:
First, notice whether you’re breathing through your nose or your mouth and gently return to nasal breathing whenever possible.
Second, slow your exhale. Even a slightly longer exhale can help calm the nervous system.
And third, spend a few moments each day simply observing your breath. Not trying to change it—just noticing it.
As we move through practice today, bring a little awareness to your breathing. Notice its quality. Notice its rhythm. Notice how it reflects your state of mind.
Because awareness is where growth begins, and sometimes the simplest things can have the greatest impact.
