Following the Breath

In this episode, I explore the sacredness of the breath, a theme shared across spiritual and contemplative traditions.I reflect on the meaning of ruah in Hebrew and pneuma in Greek, words that point to breath as life, spirit and presence. Our emotional reactions are often mirrored in the way we breathe. By learning to notice the breath gently, we begin to soften habitual patterns of reactivity.This practice is not about controlling the breath or striving for perfection. It is about resting in it. The breath becomes a place of return, always available, always alive, offering stability and equanimity.This episode offers a moment of calm, whether you are pausing during the day or winding down before sleep, helping you reconnect with the quiet rhythm that sustains you through daily guided meditation.00:00 – Introduction00:43 – Ruah in the Hebrew tradition01:06 – Pneuma and the breath01:43 – Breath, life and person01:58 – The depth of ourselves02:17 – Emotion and patterns of breathing02:47 – Mastering the breath03:00 – Monastic attention to the breath03:20 – Stable equanimity03:25 – The bell03:30 – Taking the seat06:30 – Noticing the breath07:58 – A moment of panic08:20 – Subtle movements of breathing08:30 – The nostrils10:20 – The elements we breathe in10:55 – Breathing out generously11:17 – The divine breath11:57 – Recognising a shared breath12:09 – Resting in the breath12:30 – An action for the rest of the day13:05 – Closing bell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.