How the Nose Controls the Brain, Awe, and the Real Power of Breathing

1. How the Nose Controls the Brain and Mind

“These findings could shed further light via a neurophenomenological approach on the links between respiration, cerebral activity and subjective experience, suggesting a plausible neurophysiological basis for interpreting altered states of consciousness induced by respiration-based meditative practices.”

— Piarulli et al. (2018)

A new 2-min video explainer is up on a super neat study showing how nasal airflow influences our brain and state of consciousness. Check it out below:

2. Here is the Real Power of Breathing

“The real power of breathing comes from the way that we can also control the rate and depth of our breathing rate and choose from a menu of body–mind benefits… we can use it to calm down, focus and think about what to do next. With a little practice we can also use breath control techniques to escape from reality for a while, taking a well-earned break from both body and mind… All are easy to do and can make a significant difference to how you think and feel.”

— Caroline Williams, Move: How the New Science of Body Movement Can Set Your Mind Free

👏 👏 👏

3. Change Your Frame, Change Your Path

“Our premise is that many of the circumstances that seem to block us in our daily lives may only appear to do so based on a framework of assumptions we carry with us. Draw a different frame around the same set of circumstances and new pathways come into view.”

— Rosamund Stone and Benjamin Zander, The Art of Possibility

This feels like a perfect description of what contemplative practices help us do. Instead of getting caught in our habitual patterns, they allow us to see things with clarity. And from this new perspective, new pathways tend to emerge.

4. How to Make the Body Function at Its Best

“Interestingly enough, it is just when we forget about the body that it functions at its best.”

— Eknath Easwaran, Original Goodness

A nice reminder that sometimes the best thing we can do for our physical health is get out of the way and allow the body to do what it already knows how to do.

“Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.”

— Anonymous

In good breath,

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

P.S. never fails

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