🌬️Breathwork: The Ancient Art Of Conscious Breathing


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Hey Reader,

Welcome back to Living Better—your ultimate playbook for a life well-lived. We serve up powerful personal stories, evidence-backed wisdom, and actionable insights that will elevate your life.

The timeless art of breathwork is a practice as old as humanity itself, yet as relevant today as ever.

Today, we’ll explore how this ancient technique can power your next breakthrough and enhance both your mental and physical well-being.


Today's Sneak Peek...



Long-Form Reads

MEET ANGELA, the woman detailing the positive impact breathwork has had on her life.

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“My mother said, 'Breathe in slow and out slow.' Our hands interlocked. I breathed in my mother’s calmness and breathed out my pain..."

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MEET LESLEY-ANN, the blogger sharing 7 tips for managing your stress levels.

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"The reality is that you have more control than you think to manage work, relationships, relax, have fun, and meet challenges head-on..."

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MEET KATIE, the twin mom who went back to basics to find parenting peace.

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“Slow down, breathe, and follow their lead when time permits more often. It’s a whole new world of delightful experiences..."

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MEET JENNI, the therapist with powerful life advice for finding inner peace.

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“Someday you will take a deep breath in for just a moment and catch a glimpse of the life you used to know, and you will smile..."

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MEET AMY, the mom revealing the calming technique that transformed her child's wellness.

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"Just like that, her breathing slowed and her mind settled as her focus turned toward something else..."

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MEET NICOLE, the woman battling anxiety sharing what she wishes people knew.

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“Anxiety is hard to explain. It’s even harder to live with. And it’s really freakin’ tough to be someone who suffers from it..."

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The Legacy Of Breathwork: An Age-Old Wisdom

Breathwork is a foundational element of ancient practices across civilizations, from the Pranayama of yoga to Taoist breathing methods. These traditions intuitively grasped a truth that contemporary science affirms: our breathing patterns wield immense influence over our overall health.


Quote

"Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness."

- Thich Nhat Hanh


The Transformative Power of Breath

The simplicity of breathing can transform your life for the better. Here are the key benefits to keep in mind:

  1. Stress Alleviation: Controlled breathing initiates a relaxation response, diminishing stress and anxiety.
  2. Sharper Focus: Consistent breathwork practice hones concentration and mental clarity, enhancing cognitive functions.
  3. Enhanced Physical Health: Regular breathwork fortifies the respiratory system and invigorates the body with increased energy.


POLL: Currently, how often do you incorporate breathwork into your life?

​1. Once a day or more​
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2. A few times a week​
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3. Every once in a while​
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4. Not very often​
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5. Never​



Simple Yet Effective Breathwork Techniques

Integrate these straightforward yet powerful techniques daily and observe how this ancient practice transforms your present-day experience:

  1. Box Breathing: Inhale and exhale in a four-count rhythm, pausing between each breath. This technique, practiced for just five minutes, can significantly calm the mind.
  2. Diaphragmatic Breathing: Focus on deep, abdominal breathing, encouraging full oxygen exchange and promoting a relaxed state.
  3. 4-7-8 Technique: To encourage deep relaxation, inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8.
  4. Morning Energizer: Take rapid, deep breaths for 30 seconds after waking up.

Community Spotlight

Dive into heartwarming stories and inspiring journeys from fellow Living Better community members!

This week, we're highlighting Ke'Shay's moving story:

"I first entered foster care at birth due to my mom's drug addiction. I was adopted and struggled to find a sense of belonging, even though I had no idea I was adopted.
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I was diagnosed with autism at an early age and re-entered the foster care system at age 11.
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While I was in foster care, I struggled to make connections and love myself. I felt unloved and lost.
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My aunt and her children were the only people I connected with and felt understood by.
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I was in foster care for 17 years. It was hard for me to get adopted because I was afraid of being loved and hurt again, so I acted out to scare people off.
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But things changed when I later found my talent and love for music.
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I discovered I could sing, write songs, and even play and teach myself piano just by listening to the music and seeing the piano keys!
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I found love and security within my music.
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Now, as an aged-out foster youth, I'm currently looking into adult adoption at 24 years old. You may grow out of the system, but you NEVER grow out of needing a family.
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I am also applying to colleges and making it a priority to break statistics and adapt to living versus surviving.
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Being a former foster youth taught me that I'm stronger than I thought and I can do anything as long as I apply myself and don't give up.
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I hope I can make a difference through my music and help others gain a deeper meaning into the foster care and autism community someday.
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One day when I become a foster parent, I also hope to show the kids that come into my home that they can do anything and not to limit themselves.
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Hope is an everlasting possibility, and while we can't change our past, we can make our future a positive one."
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- Ke'Shay Childress, Living Better subscriber

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