To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson
This book would never have seen the light of day without the vision of my literary agent, Peter McGuigan, of Foundry Media, and the inspiration of Senior Editor Daniela Rapp, of St. Martin’s Press. To them I give heartfelt thanks for having the foresight and open-mindedness to understand the far-reaching significance of the inhale and exhale on the body, mind, and soul. To the Foundry team of Emily Brown, Kirsten Neuhaus, Alicka Pistek, Heidi Gall, and Claire Harris, and to the St. Martin’s/Macmillan team of Brant Janeway, John Karle, Angelique Giammarino, Anne Marie Tallberg, Jessica Preeg, and Dori Weintraub, I express my deepest appreciation for their poignant feedback. I wish to acknowledge the contributions of those forward-thinking writers and journalists who covered this topic in its youth—Lisa Held, Carole Sabas, Sumathi Reddy, Cassie Shortsleeve, Marissa Stephenson, Jason Fine, Alix Strauss, Anna Maltby, Joshua David Stein, Drew Grant, Phyllis Korkki, Amy Maclin, and Alison Davis. I openly express my debt to Vernick Alvarez for his steadfast friendship, even under grueling deadlines; to Max Smith for his patience in translating my impulsive e-mails; to Connor Mitchell for his modeling skills in the illustrations; to the capable artists Gerald Echeverria and Hilary Mockewich for their talent and remarkable flexibility.
Steve Kardian was a stalwart, unfaltering in his belief in Breathe from day one. Kellen Mori and Patricia Moreno were always there for me with their unfailing encouragement, as were Tricia Williams and Peder Regan with their unswerving support, and Jeff Burns of Sci Med Media with his time and valuable input. I would also like to thank my yoga teacher, Monica Jaggi, and my dependable assistant and sister-friend, Alyson Cook, without whom I’d be helplessly teaching on my own in California. Don Saladino, you have truly been my anchor in your generosity and friendship over this year. For their mentorship in business and friendship alike, I thank Melissa Hobley, Martin Lindstrom, Karrie Wolfe, and Corinne Pipitone.
Shirine Coburn, my friend, neighbor, and impromptu business mentor, I’m so lucky to have you in my life. Cesar Millan recognized the importance of breath in both man and dog, Serena Lee generously gave her legal advice and wit, and Henry “The Professor” Akins was unfailing in his encouragement and friendship. Earnest thanks are due to Adam Furman, Buddy and Renata at Saibot Media Inc.; my UK team, Caspian Dennis, Sandy Violette, Ben Fowler, Michelle Pilley, and Jo Burgess; and Kim and Denise of Bikram Yoga University Village. For their enduring encouragement throughout the year, I must express my gratitude to Shawn Perine, Sejal Patel, David Wallace, Robert Penzel, Social Diva Peg Samuel, Jen Widerstrom, and Hank Nation. To Tom Hermann and Agent Gregory Saunders, I deeply appreciate your understanding of the importance of breathing for endurance and stress management. I would also like to thank Joe March for his tenacity in bringing this part of health to light and, of course, David Elliot for introducing me to breathwork from its inception. Thank you, Caitlin Mitchell, for your unwavering friendship and generosity in helping this book to move forward and the classes to succeed. Dr. Amy Brown, your guidance and insight have been priceless. Rachel Ash, Dr. Anthony Lyon, Maureen Dodd, Dr. Stephanie Marango, Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, Dr. Jack Mantione: thank you so much for inviting me to be part of the team. I cannot close without recognizing the role of Sean Hyson, for coming along this path with me in so many ways—a veritable testament to our friendship.