My Ghostwriter, Cost-Free, and the Best Gift We Can Give Others

1. Universally Accessible, Scalable, and Cost-Free

“Breathing practices, when used in isolation, have the advantage of being universally accessible, scalable, and cost-free. They are not limited by access to healthcare services nor burdened by side effects and put potential treatment tools in the hands of the individual.”

– Bentley et al. (2023), Brain Sciences

That’s so good. I have nothing to add but a few of these 👏👏👏

2. Breathing, Mental States, and Longevity

“All creatures consume vital energy. In the ancient Hindu tradition, it is said that we come into life with a given supply of this energy, enough to power a certain number of breathing cycles. …

If this theory is true, it may help to explain why these ancient sages claim a close connection between mental states and longevity. Our breathing rhythm, the measure of how fast our reserves of vital energy are being consumed, is regulated in part by our state of mind. Security, compassion, patience, forgiveness – all these are accompanied, if you observe closely, by a relatively slow breathing rhythm and heart rate. Positive states of mind like these conserve energy and lengthen the life span, leaving a reserve of resilience and resistance for facing challenges.”

– Eknath Easwaran, Original Goodness

3. Ghostwriter

Breathing is the ghostwriter of our lives, subtly influencing our mental states, our energy and outlook, and our overall sense of connection and belonging in this world.

4. Now as I Understand Things Properly

“A Zen monk said, ‘Before I began to practice, mountains were mountains, and rivers were rivers. During many years of practice, mountains stopped being mountains and rivers stopped being rivers. Now as I understand things properly, mountains are mountains, and rivers are rivers.’”

- Thich Nhat Hanh

"The only thing we have to bring to community is ourselves, so the contemplative process of recovering our true selves in solitude is never selfish. It is ultimately the best gift we can give to others."

— — Parker Palmer

Category: The Diaphragm

Answer: Several factors, including a small muscle fibre size and abundance of capillaries, make the diaphragm less susceptible to this, allowing it to work continuously.

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(Cue the Jeopardy! music.)

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Question: What is fatigue?

In good breath,

Nick Heath, T1D, PhD
“Breathing is the compound interest of health & wellness.”

P.S. I had 33 open while writing this email

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