Book Spotlight: Breath by James Nestor
In Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, James Nestor uncovers one of the most fundamental yet overlooked aspects of human health—the simple act of breathing. We take around 25,000 breaths a day, but most of us are doing it in ways that actually harm our bodies and minds. Nestor weaves together fascinating research, ancient wisdom, and his own immersive experiments to show how the way we inhale and exhale shapes everything from lung capacity and circulation to mental clarity, stress levels, and even longevity.
What makes this book especially powerful is how it bridges science with inspiration. Nestor dives into forgotten breathing practices from traditions around the world—like pranayama, Buteyko, and holotropic breathwork—and reveals how modern medicine is now proving their benefits. He also explores the consequences of poor breathing habits, such as mouth breathing, and how small shifts—like slowing the breath, exhaling fully, or breathing through the nose—can transform our well-being.
Breath is more than just a book on health; it’s a reminder that healing and balance don’t always require something outside of us. By reconnecting with our breath, we access a tool for resilience, vitality, and peace that has been within us all along.