Dear Friend,
90% of our world is stuck in a shallow breathing — a habitual state of fight-or-flight.
This state sends a persistent message to our body and nervous system:
You are not safe.
It stifles our creativity and generosity. It diminishes our unique voice.
We have to survive. To fit in. No time to explore, or play.
We work harder. And longer. While the message only gets stronger.
It is a downward spiral leading to isolation, deprivation, and exhaustion.
And even if we know in our head that we are safe — that we can breathe — the path is well-worn. The habit too strong. We feel stuck.
We got here by over-working; we can't get ourselves out by working harder still...
The way to freedom is through a restoration of trust.
We can start with the breath.
This is not "breath work."
If work is needed, it is the work of not-working — of letting go.
When we let go of the breath, we free it. It goes deeper on its own, without our effort. We do not need to control the breath; we can let it go.
This is "trust work."
Restoring our trust in the breath — to come and go, to heal us, to empower us, and to never run out.
When we trust the breath, our body and nervous system receive a new message:
You are safe.
And, it's okay to play.
We are reconnected with our creative self. Our unique voice.
A voice that is so needed in our world today. 😌
In 2025/26, I'm leading audiences all over in freeing their breath and reconnecting with their creative self—and deepening the experience with original music. This can be an engaging, centering 15-minute event-opener or a full keynote for leaders, artists, communities, and events of all kinds. If I can support your event or community with this, I'd love to partner with you — reach out at booking@nathanpeterson.net.
—Nathan
Originally posted at: https://nathanpeterson.net/trust-work/