In our fast-paced, stress-filled world, the simple act of breathing is often overlooked as a tool for healing, clarity, and self-discovery. Yet, as Anthony Abbagnano, founder of Alchemy of Breath, shares in this episode of Life, Health & The Universe, breathwork has the power to turn inner turmoil into deep calm—even when life feels chaotic.
Anthony’s journey with breath began in an unexpected place: a boarding school classroom at the age of seven. After being told to take twenty breaths into a paper bag, he had what he describes as his first “deeply spiritual experience”—a sudden knowing that life was “infinitesimally grander” than the suffering he was experiencing. This seed of awareness lay dormant for years, eventually growing into his life’s calling.
But his path was far from smooth. A life-threatening illness became the catalyst for a profound shift in his relationship with breath. For nearly two months, in intense pain and unable to move, his only choice was to breathe—gently, minimally, just enough to stay alive. This stillness revealed to him the true strength of surrender. As he explains, “If I hadn’t been diligent, if I’d taken a pill or avoided looking at it, I wouldn’t be able to sit with people in the deep stages of their own growth.”
The Science and Soul of Breathwork
Breathwork isn’t just about relaxation—it transforms us on physiological, psychological, and spiritual levels.
Physiologically, conscious breathing regulates the nervous system, shifting us from fight-or-flight into rest-and-digest mode.
Psychologically, it creates space between thoughts, opening room for new perspectives.
Spiritually, it becomes a gateway to deeper awareness and connection.
Anthony explains that by breathing consciously and connectedly, we adjust oxygen levels in the bloodstream, temporarily reducing activity in the thinking brain (frontal lobe) and allowing other forms of perception to emerge.
A Radical Measure of Emotional Intelligence
Anthony poses a powerful question:
“Would you be willing to consider that a measure of your emotional intelligence is your ability to take a breath when you don’t want to?”
In moments of stress or conflict, our instinct is often to push through or react immediately. That single, conscious breath can disrupt the autopilot, giving us the choice to respond rather than react.
Breathwork and the Hero’s Journey
Anthony likens the breathwork process to the Hero’s Journey described by Joseph Campbell—a path that takes us through calls to adventure, challenges, triumphs, and a return home with wisdom. He sees “the doldrums” (those stuck, low-energy times) as vital stages of transformation, urging us to become detectives of our own experience rather than victims of circumstance.
Getting Started with Breathwork
If you’re new to breathwork, Anthony’s advice is simple:
Notice your breath—awareness is half the journey.
Observe patterns—how does your breathing change with your emotions?
Create a breath toolkit—slow breaths with longer exhales can ease anxiety, while “coherence breathing” (five seconds in, five seconds out through the nose) helps balance the nervous system.
And most importantly? Practice when life is calm, so your breath becomes a reliable anchor when the storms arrive.
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