When you lift weights, they say you should exhale as you expend the effort to move the heavy thing.

Inhale when you lower, exhale as you lift.

Performing?

When you enter the stage and are hit by all of that light, everyone is watching. Everyone is waiting. Everyone takes their cues from the person at the front of the room.

So, before speaking.

Before straightening your notes,

Or adjusting your clothes,

The first order of business is to inspire.

Begin with yourself.

Breahte in the room.

Breathe in everyone.

When you start to breathe, they will too.

And if you’re lucky, and skillful, they’ll all start breathing with you.

That’s what it means when they say that that are ‘with you’. It means they’re breathing with you.

Watch your breath today.

Who’s with you?