Words of Wisdom for November 10, 2026

As the dharma reminds us, however, we have agency in relation to our breath. The practice of mindful breathing not only reveals that respiration is both automatic and voluntary, it empowers us to choose the quality of breath appropriate to each moment. In times of intensity, as when literally or metaphorically drowning, our breath becomes short and shallow; its purpose is to create the energy we need to get ourselves out of danger. But energy from a fight-or-flight reaction that isn’t discharged can manifest as toxic stress. Practicing mindful breathing can help us metabolize excess energy or preempt the reactivity that produces it. In fact, a growing body of research is revealing substantial benefits for the body and mind when we breathe diaphragmatically or engage in other mindful breathing practices.

– Melvin Escobar with Gregory Mengel, Lion’s Roar

May you be free from suffering and the causes of suffering!

All my best,

–Jerome