Before saying a word, take a deep breath and smile.

I received this treasured advice for speaking, teaching, and preaching either from a communications professor in college or from John Ortberg—maybe both.

Before shooting a free throw, hitting a serve, or taking a snap, breathe deep.

These words are valuable coaching for athletes in any sport.

Although I'm neither a polished speaker nor an accomplished athlete, I do have significant experience breathing. An entire life full of it, actually. Yet respiration has rarely captured my sustained attention or imagination.

Until now.

It began when I saw Kirk Cousins, an NFL quarterback, on the local news as he shared the benefits of a new training regimen focused on his brain and his breathing. His goal: to gain a competitive edge by regulating stress and improving mental awareness on and off the field. I'd like that, too, I thought.

Soon after, the leader for a three-day retreat I was on guided attendees to begin turning full attention toward God ...