Whats Up with your Breath?

A guide on how to use your breath as a tool

Can I share something that’s been on my mind? It’s about the breath. Yep, that thing we all do without thinking, thousands of times a day. But have you ever stopped to really notice it?

Your breath is your anchor to this life. It’s the first thing you do when you enter this world, and it will be the last thing you do when you leave. Pretty deep, right? We’re so connected to this simple act of breathing, yet we rarely pay it any attention. And when we do—when we really focus on our breath—it’s kind of magical.

Why the Breath is So Powerful

I’ve had moments where I’ve sat in meditation and just observed my breath. Nothing fancy—just noticing the way it feels, the way it flows. And sometimes, in those moments, a wave of calm or even joy will wash over me.

I can’t fully explain it (yet—it’s part of my journey), but I know this: when I’m consistent with my meditation and connect deeply to my breath, my life feels different. I’m calmer, more present, more me. And it’s not just during meditation. I’ve started using my breath as a tool in all kinds of situations.

When Life Gets Messy, Go to Your Breath

Like that time I was super stressed and on the verge of saying something I’d probably regret. I caught myself—I paused, closed my eyes for a second, and just tuned into my breath. I focused on the air brushing my upper lip as I inhaled. Nothing dramatic, just that little moment of awareness. When I came back to the conversation, I was calmer. The situation hadn’t changed, but I had. My breath had given me the space to respond instead of react.

Or when I walk into a room and feel the energy is all over the place. Maybe someone’s trying to connect with me, but their energy just doesn’t feel right in the moment. Instead of running away or getting overwhelmed, I smile and go to my breath. I let them talk, but I stay grounded in my own space.

It’s not about ignoring people or being rude. It’s about protecting your peace while still showing up in a way that feels true to you.

So, What’s the Big Deal About Breathing?

Honestly, I’m still figuring it out. Maybe it’s because the breath powers the heart, and the heart is what pumps life through our bodies. Maybe steady breathing helps our nervous system find balance. Or maybe—it’s just divine.

What I do know is this: the breath brings you back to the present moment, and the present is where all the good stuff happens. It’s where calm lives. It’s where clarity waits for you. It’s where you connect to something bigger than yourself.

How You Can Try This Too

Next time you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or even just a little “off,” give this a shot:

1. Pause whatever you’re doing.

2. Take a slow, deep breath in.

3. Pay attention to how it feels—on your lip, in your chest, wherever you notice it most.

4. Stay with it for as long as you need.

That’s it. You don’t need a quiet room or a special cushion. You don’t need incense or a mantra. Just your breath and a little bit of awareness.

You can even use this trick in everyday moments. Stuck in traffic? Go to your breath. Sitting through a loud family dinner and wishing you were anywhere else? Go to your breath. You’ll be amazed at how it can shift your perspective.

I’ve been meditating since I was 18, and here I am, at 32, still learning what this means. But one thing I know for sure? The breath is the quickest, simplest way to find peace, clarity, and even a sense of wonder.

So the next time life feels a little too much, take a moment to breathe. Really breathe. And who knows? Maybe you’ll find yourself smiling through that long-winded story from your uncle at Thanksgiving. Or maybe you won’t—but the pumpkin pie will taste better anyway.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you have moments where your breath has saved the day? Or are you curious to try this out for the first time? Let’s connect—I’d love to share more of this journey with you.

With love and light,

Chika B.