breathing


Related Content


A sign with a brown backgroud and tan letters that reads Breathe. You've Arrived.

Last week, I returned to Kripalu, a place that feels like a home for my practice and personal growth. I arrived just after lunch, with a few hours before anything was officially planned. In years past, this would have been a green light for me to jump into “maximizing” my time — mapping out a hike in the woods, a stroll by the lake, and maybe squeezing in a class or two. But this time, I did something different. I did pretty much … nothing.

a meditation bench in a room with lots of windows overlooking a marsh on beautiful sunny day
When you step into a yoga class, you might expect a focus on perfect poses or ideal wellness. However, I believe the essence of yoga isn’t about flawless postures or achieving a specific body shape — it’s about connecting with yourself and others in a meaningful way. It’s about investigating the nature of reality. This describes a few key aspects of my approach.
a person with short brown hair with their eyes closed

When was the last time you checked in with yourself? I don’t mean checking on your never-ending charge of work tickets or your personal to-do list. I mean checking in with your most basic functions: your mood, your pulse, and your breathing.

Creating a routine of checking in with yourself in this way is a great way to get in touch with how your body is reacting to and coping with the stresses of your day. It also provides a space to do just a little breathing exercise which can help ease those stresses and reset your mind.

photo of dandelion against a blue sky, with seeds floating away

Do you ever have one of those really long belly laughs? The kind that leaves you nearly breathless, brings tears to your eyes, and makes your cheeks and abs sore? It’s the kind of laughter that can set the tone for an entire day, make your steps a little lighter, your smile a little quicker to appear, and a feeling, if only brief, that the world is going to be just fine. Those are great, aren’t they? Well it turns out, they’re actually pretty beneficial, too!

woman sitting at a laptop with her hands on her head staring at a screen
Yoga, an ancient practice originating in India, has evolved from a spiritual pursuit to a widely touted method for enhancing physical health. But as a 2023 global study of yoga by Yoga Alliance revealed, “stress relief” has replaced “flexibility” as the primary motivator for people to embrace yoga. But does yoga truly have the power to relieve stress? This article explores the role of breath control, physical postures, and yogic meditation for stress reduction, and offers practical tips for beginning a yoga practice for stress relief.
Episode Number
74
In any moment, you have an opportunity to pause, reflect, and pay attention from the beginning to the end of one inhalation. Or one exhalation. You don't need to commit to any more. Yoga teaches us that there is nothing you need to grasp.

This episode explores the benefits of one-breath meditation and offers suggestions for how to practice (hint: it's very easy!) and how to remember to pause.
artwork by crafterall with the words just one breath
Artwork by Crafterall
In any moment, you have an opportunity to pause, reflect, and pay attention from the beginning to the end of one inhalation. Or one exhalation. You don't need to commit to any more. Yoga teaches us that there is nothing you need to grasp. This article explores the benefits of one-breath meditation and offers suggestions for how to practice (hint: it's very easy!) and how to remember to pause.
Episode Number
54
In this practice, you will count your breath in order to stay anchored in the present moment, aware of what is happening in your body and mind.

To leave a comment about this episode, visit matthewtift.com/prettygood/54. The theme music is "Maxixe" performed by Edson Lopes under CC BY 3.0.
Episode Number
45
This meditation includes a centering exercise, some simple breathing exercises (pranayama), and other practices to help promote relaxation.

To leave a comment about this episode, visit matthewtift.com/prettygood/45. The theme music is "Maxixe" performed by Edson Lopes under CC BY 3.0.