Breath by James Nestor
A Personal Reflection on Breath, Nature, and Mindful Living
I am so glad my eldest son Sean, who through his fitness work and is on his journey of connecting with nature, recommended this book.
Reading Breath by James Nestor felt like an awakening. I’ve always known, on some level, the importance of being mindful when breathing, especially when I’m out walking in nature. But Nestor’s book transformed this instinctive awareness into a deeply informed, conscious practice that has shifted my relationship with my body and the natural world around me.
Nestor explores the lost art of breathing with curiosity, he takes us through ancient practices and modern science, showing us just how far we’ve strayed from healthy breathing habits. His journey of rediscovery is relatable and filled with eye-opening moments. I reflected on how often I rush through life, my breath shallow and irregular, especially in stressful moments. But when I take a mindful walk in nature and slow my breath, I feel an immediate shift—my body relaxes, and my mind becomes clearer. This connection between breath and presence is exactly what Nestor discusses, emphasizing that “The way we breathe is the way we live.”
The book dives into practical techniques like nasal breathing, which I’ve started practicing while walking in the woods. Nestor explains that breathing through the nose helps filter, humidify, and regulate the air we take in, and I can feel this as I breathe in the fresh, earthy scent of the forest. It’s grounding and healing, like tapping into a shared rhythm with nature. He writes, “Breath is the anchor to the present moment,” and I’ve never felt this more than when I’m surrounded by trees, consciously inhaling the life force they offer, I have also noticed this similar effect happens when I’m at the seaside, facing the sea, and mindfully breathing, connects you with the refreshing zingyness of the salty air.
What struck me was how Nestor connects breath with a broader ecological awareness. Our breath is part of a larger system—a constant exchange with the trees, the air, and the earth. When I’m in nature, especially among old-growth forests, I’m reminded that every breath I take is intertwined with the life around me. Nestor’s insights have deepened this understanding for me, making each walk feel like a reciprocal act of connection, a silent conversation with the world.
For anyone looking to deepen their relationship with their breath and the natural world, Breath is a must read. It’s a reminder of the simple, profound, ways we can reconnect with our bodies and find healing in the natural rhythms of life. I’ve found myself incorporating these techniques into my daily walks, transforming them into moments of meditation and presence. As Nestor says, “The breath is our constant companion, the bridge between our inner and outer worlds.” This book has made that bridge feel not only accessible but essential.