As we navigate life, we can often find to have drifted away from ourselves, having somehow forgotten our power and essence, instead looking outside for something to hold on to. Before we know it, these external elements become our escapes, our life vests and our safe havens. It’s normal and in some ways beautiful that our partners, families, friends and jobs become our homes, yet this often comes with a degree of self-abandonment. Likewise, every obsession, every addiction, every unhealthy relationship, stringent ideology or political stance is a desperate cry for belonging – to find a home somewhere outside of ourselves.

By focusing on our breath, we can bring ourselves into the present moment, find clarity during chaos, and create a safe port to refuel and rest amidst a storm. Beyond its innate physiological functions, breathwork is a remarkably simple yet powerful tool with which to navigate the challenges and complexities of our modern existence, allowing us to feel safe and at ease in our own company.

Cultivating that feeling of inner safety as a selfcare habit allows us to relate to the external world’s eternal dynamism in a healthy, assertive way. From taking a sturdy next step in our careers, and beginning or ending a relationship, to simply being able to wholeheartedly enjoy a day’s rest.