Breathing is our most basic life giving behavior. The autonomic nervous system controls this most vital aspect of our existence, so usually, our breathing operates unconsciously. However, we can breathe consciously and deeply whenever we choose.

When we breathe, we fill up our lungs with air which then oxidizes our entire body. It primes a basic physiological pump that forces oxygen throughout our system and into every cell. As the oxygen moves into the cells, the cardiovascular system cleanses the system by removing toxins and cellular products. Breathing especially oxidizes the brain and enables thinking and mental processing. Breathing in and out rhythmically and deeply enables us to optimize the cardiovascular system and activate what Benson (1965) called The Relaxation Response.

Yoga, literally meaning "yoke" or "connection" of Mind-Body helps you bring a resource to a limited state. So we bring breathing and the feeling of reducing stress to the limited breathing state of anxiety. The anxiety cannot be the same. It has to change. And so it does.

In this way, we use breathing to drive our calm and centered states. It works because of the mind-body connection. As we think—so we are. —so we can take charge of our skill of calming and reducing stress in our ourselves —

By consciously directing our attention to this physiological behavior of breathing so that we do it intentionally and with awareness, we control one facet of our neurological system—not just any facet, but a facet that plays one of the most critical and important factors that governs our life, health, and wellness.