Breathe Like the Earth is Watching (Because She Is)
As the calendar makes us think of renewal, a reminder of where it starts
This time of year has "fresh start" energy written all over it. And it’s no wonder, with the parade of holidays that’s all happening at the same time.
There’s Passover, one of the few Jewish holidays that’s more celebratory than somber.
Then there’s Easter, with its promises of rebirth and fluffy baby animals, and chocolates and marshmallows shaped like fluffy baby animals.
Earth Day always serves as a brief minute to feel hopeful about the future of our planet… at least until you remember all the environmental protection regulations that have been rolled back.
Whether you’re planting flowers in the garden, Easter eggs on the front lawn, or the afikomen in your old bookshelf — these holidays and traditions can help us feel like we’re coming back to life after a winter of collective hibernation.
If you're into breathwork (or just breath-curious), you might be surprised at how perfectly this season mirrors the breath. I mean, have you ever noticed how spring itself seems to take one big inhale after months of holding its breath?
And at a time when people’s individual responsibility is stronger than ever when it comes to living sustainably — breathwork is the most renewable resource on the planet.
Think of it as your own built-in self-regulation system that’s powered by your lungs, no plug-in required, and still works when Mercury goes retrograde or your phone dies at 3pm.
Just like the Earth, your body follows cycles. Expand and contract. Inhale and exhale. Wake and rest. Burn out and recover. And right now, it's time to shake off any last remnants of winter and breathe into a little more possibility.
A Resurrection of Rhythm
Easter is a story of rebirth (this is factually true regardless of your spiritual or religious leanings or whether you believe the story). Of coming back. Of starting over.
And, while you probably haven’t been fully resurrected (unless… have you?!) you've probably done this, too, without even realizing it.
Every time you take a deep breath after a stressful Zoom call where you were muted for who knows how long.
Every time you pause in the car before going into the house to deal with your teen's mood or your colleague's drama.
Every time you choose to go for a walk instead of another doomscroll through the digital abyss of bad news and perfect vacations.
These moments? Tiny resurrections. You're reviving yourself — breath by breath — even when you think you're just trying to avoid losing your mind.
You don't need a dramatic breakdown and breakthrough to change your day. You don't need to disappear into the woods for a vision quest (unless you want to, of course – and I'd recommend bug spray).
You just need a few minutes. Some intent and awareness. And your lungs. Which, conveniently, you've been carrying around this whole time!
Inhale What You Want to Grow
Now, let's talk Earth Day. It's not just about reusable grocery bags and skipping the straw. (Though, yes, do that too. The birds and turtles thank you.)
Earth Day reminds us to respect our relationship with the planet. And what's one of the most primal ways we're connected to it?
You guessed it: breathing.
Which you're doing right now! Look at you, participating in Earth Day without even trying.
Every inhale pulls in oxygen — a literal gift from the trees. Every exhale returns carbon dioxide to feed those same trees. Talk about a mutual aid society that's been working since before social media made everyone an activist.
It's the most underappreciated collaboration in existence. Trees don't even ask for credit or demand you like their posts. Humble legends, really.
Want to celebrate Earth Day in a way that's unexpectedly powerful?
Go outside. Stand barefoot in the grass or on the ground. Close your eyes…
And try this breathwork technique that can help you dust out the cobwebs — physically, mentally, emotionally. Think purification from the inside, but with way less effort than that usually entails (and no harsh chemicals).
This is one of my favorite breaths for restoring balance, both in your body and your mood.
It’s called alternate nostril breathing. And it’s known for calming the nervous system and syncing the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Which makes it kind of perfect for this time of year: part wake-up call, part energetic reset. Like coffee if and therapy had a baby, but free and more predictable.
Here's a video showing you how to do it.
Sit comfortably and bring your right hand to your face. (Left-handed? You can use that hand too. We're inclusive here.)
Use your right thumb to gently close your right nostril. Inhale through your left nostril.
Using your right ring finger, close your left nostril.
At the same time, lift your thumb from your right nostril and exhale.
Inhale through your right nostril.
Close the right nostril again with your thumb.
Lift your ring finger and exhale through your left nostril.
That's one round. Aim for a set of 8-10 rounds on each side to start — smooth, even breaths with no strain. You can build up to a few minutes a day if you like.
It’s a small practice that can have big impact. Think of it like composting your mental clutter and turning it into clarity.
And yeah, it looks a little goofy. Let’s not pretend otherwise. If your family finds you doing this and backs away slowly, maybe stick to the privacy of your bedroom.
The Last Gasp
Time is marching forward, whether or not you're ready. But you can meet it halfway — with your breath.
You don't have to overhaul your life. You don't have to Marie Kondo your soul. You just have to show up, inhale, and notice that you're still here. If your winter consisted of survival mode and Netflix, congratulations – you made it anyway.
And if you want more breathwork techniques to help you transition into this season with grace (or at least without falling face-first into the mud), check out my free "5 in 5" kit. Five breathwork techniques you can do in five minutes each – perfect for the busy life you're already living.
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." ~ The Lorax (Dr. Seuss)