In the midst of our busy lives, there lies a simple yet profound truth—breath is power.
From the moment we are born, we instinctively know how to breathe. As babies, we send breath deep into our bellies, allowing it to nourish and soothe us. But as we grow, societal pressures can disrupt this natural flow. For me, growing up in the U.S., beauty standards and body image expectations led me to hold my stomach in, taking shallow breaths instead of the deep, grounding ones my body needed.
As a teenager, my therapist would tell me to "just breathe" when I felt anxious, but she never taught me how. It wasn’t until my early 20s, through yoga and mindfulness meditation, that I learned to focus my attention on my breath—each inhale and exhale becoming a pathway back to myself. The more I practiced, the more I realized: breathing fully into my belly was a form of self-care and emotional regulation.
Then, in 2023, one of my best friends became pregnant and asked our group of friends, “Do you all notice that you suck in your stomachs?” Her words struck a chord. We had all been holding our bellies in for years, unknowingly restricting our breath. This realization changed everything—breath wasn’t just about oxygen; it was about freedom, embodiment, and reclaiming our power.
Today, as a holistic therapist and founder of The Makaranda Method, I guide others in Mindfulness Breathing Exercises You Can Do Anywhere, teaching people how to breathe deeply and fully—how to reconnect with the breath as a tool for healing. We even recorded a meditation on this called Breath is Power on The Makaranda Method Podcast.
Harnessing the Power of Your Breath
Breathwork is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to regulate the nervous system, ease stress, and cultivate mindfulness. A powerful practice I teach involves breathing in four equal but distinct segments to fill the lungs fully:
- Inhale in four equal parts—fill the belly, ribcage, chest, and upper lungs.
- Repeat.
- Exhale slowly and fully.
- Pause briefly.
This rhythmic breathing engages the vagus nerve, which helps shift the body into a state of relaxation and calm. Studies show that deep diaphragmatic breathing enhances the body's ability to reduce stress, improve focus, and promote overall well-being.
Breath is Power
Breathing mindfully is more than a technique—it’s a way to come home to yourself. By intentionally harnessing the power of your breath, you can cultivate presence, resilience, and inner peace.
As I continue my own journey of self-discovery and mindful breathing, I’ll keep sharing what I learn. In the meantime, may you remember this: Your breath is always with you. Let it be your anchor, your guide, your source of power.
Be well, friends.
To listen to our meditation, click the links below:
Spotify | Breath is Power
Buzzsprout | Breath is Power
Hi, I'm Eleanor!
Founder + CEO of The Makaranda Method
I am first and foremost, a lover of the Earth on a mission to reconnect humans back with our beautiful planet. Because, when we're connected with the Earth, we're connected with ourselves and each other.
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