The Transformative Power of Breathwork
Breathing in, I calm body and mind. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment I know this is the only moment.
Thich Nhat Hanh
Breathing is something we all do unconsciously, yet we often overlook its immense power. The breath is a necessary physiological function and a transformative tool for enhancing life. By embracing breathwork, a practice focused on controlled and conscious breathing, individuals can experience improvement in mental clarity, emotional regulation, and physical vitality.
Let’s dive deeper into how breathing intentionally can profoundly impact your life.
For many, the realisation of breathwork’s transformative potential comes from personal experiences. There are many stories from guests who have shared their journey into breathwork, including Lisa Sibly who recounted her journey, which began during a therapeutic breathwork session on a paddleboard in Goa. This pivotal session illuminated how breath is "right under our noses" and yet often underutilised. This realisation transformed how she approached breathing and ultimately inspired her career as a breathworker in Cambridge.
Breathwork perspective through neuroscience.
Breathing stands as a unique function within our body—a singular autonomic mechanism we can control consciously. Once we are aware of breathing then we can realise how powerful we are as humans. The fascination with the breath, its mechanisms, and its ability to unlock heightened awareness and happiness, can help you to understand how powerful a human you are.
Whether stemming from yoga, mindfulness, neuroscience, or other practices, a conscious connection with the breath opens doors to a fuller life.
Breathing isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving. Our breath exists as a bridge connecting our body and mind. The way we breathe influences energy, focus, calmness, stress levels, and even how we engage with others.
Physically, breathwork activates the parasympathetic nervous system, or the "rest and digest" state, helping to regulate emotions and foster relaxation. Mentally and emotionally, it provides tools to alleviate anxiety, regain focus, and spark creativity. The beauty of the breath lies in its simplicity—accessible to everyone, anywhere, and it is free.
What’s even more fascinating is that breathwork isn’t new. Its roots can be traced back centuries through meditation, yoga, and ancient practices. However, modern science has caught up to these traditional teachings, reinforcing their efficacy with research. Figures like Wim Hof and the publication of James Nestor's Breathe have further sparked mainstream enthusiasm for cultivating intentional breath habits.
Practical Ways to Harness the Breath
One of Lisa's key messages was the accessibility of breath techniques for anyone at any level. Here are a few actionable strategies she shared:
- The Power of the Sigh: Simply inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth with a sound. This natural, automatic action not only helps the body release tension but also aids in grounding and calming.
- Enjoy a Yawn: While often stigmatized as a sign of boredom, yawning can be a powerful breathwork tool. Yawning brings more oxygen into the body, engages your diaphragm, and is an excellent way to stimulate relaxation within your nervous system.
- Belly vs. Chest Breathing Check-In: Sit down with a hand on your belly and another on your chest. Inhale deeply and see which hand moves. Breathing into the belly is linked to calming effects, whereas shallow, chest-only breathing can indicate stress. Lisa recommends practising belly breathing by lying down and allowing your stomach to push against the floor or bed during the inhale.
- Quick Techniques for Energy or Stress Relief: To energize, try right-nostril breathing; close your left nostril and breathe in and out of your right side. For calming, switch to the left nostril. Before bed, extend the exhale longer than the inhale to activate the parasympathetic response and prepare your body for rest.
Integrating Breathwork Into Daily Life
Breathwork requires regularity, much like any exercise regimen. A little bit like going to the gym. A single session might make you feel good, but consistent, even brief, daily practice leads to profound, long-term benefits.
Breathwork can be a form of "first aid" and can be as simple as pausing at moments of stress, taking conscious breaths into your belly, or practising techniques like box breathing (inhaling, holding, exhaling, and pausing evenly). Over time, these habits naturally integrate into daily life, deepening the connection to both yourself and the world around you.
Breathwork is not limited to personal calm or heightened focus. It plays a role in surprising areas like weight loss, as breathing expels significant toxins and waste products like carbon dioxide and water. Corporate teams and individuals while using breathwork together can foster communication and creativity. Collaborative breathwork can deepen connections, dissolve barriers, and facilitate authentic exchanges, showing how breath unites us in shared humanity.
Your Breath Can Transform Your Life
Your breath is a gift—a tool for change, healing, and connection. Whether you start with a sigh, a yawn, or guided techniques, the impact can ripple across all areas of your life, far beyond what you might expect.
If you're ready to begin your journey into breathwork, explore how conscious breathing can enrich your body, mind, and soul. Share your experiences and insights with us either on Patreon or on Our YouTube channel and help us create a community of self-love and compassion. 🥰💖
Breath is life. Embrace it fully. You’ll be amazed at where it takes you.
Until next time
Chat soon
Lenka & Natalie
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