Just Breathe
Just BREATHE:
A Call to Pause for Creative Leaders
In the fast-paced world of ministry ... production ... creative leadership, and just everyday life, it can feel like we’re constantly running out of breath — spiritually, emotionally, and physically. We push through deadlines, rehearsals, services, and just life, often forgetting one of the most vital aspects of living and leading well: breathing.
Feeling Breathless?
As a worship leader and vocalist, one of the most powerful revelations I’ve had is how essential breathing is. Proper breathing changes everything. For singers, it’s foundational — the difference between strain and ease, between a weak tone and a rich, full sound, between merely getting through a song and dynamically leading others. But beyond singing, I’ve realized how crucial breathing is for life itself.
Breathing is Life
In Genesis 2:7, we’re reminded that it was the very breath of God that gave life to humanity: “Then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.” From that moment on, we all need breath to survive — oxygen is essential to our physical life. But what about our emotional and spiritual life?
Just as we need to breathe physically, we also need to breathe mentally and emotionally. As a father, I constantly remind myself to pause and breathe before reacting to my kids. When they’re excited and struggling to find their words, I encourage them to take a moment, breathe, and gather their thoughts. Similarly, when correction is needed, I ask them to pause, breathe, and process before responding.
Breathing Brings Perspective
As leaders, we often rush through tasks, conversations, or creative decisions without pausing. But when we take a moment to breathe, something powerful happens: we gain perspective. It allows us to step back, see the bigger picture, and process what’s truly important.
I’ve found that even in the middle of a set, stepping back for a few seconds to breathe can reset my focus. It’s not just a physical act, but a spiritual one. That breath invites God’s Spirit to take over, helping me lead with fresh energy and perspective.
Psalm 150:6 says, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” Our breath is not just a tool for survival but a vessel for creativity, clarity, and expression. Each breath is an opportunity to reset, refocus, and align our creative endeavors with God’s purpose.
Breathing for Emotional and Mental Health
Breathing isn’t just about survival — it’s a practice essential for emotional and mental well-being. How many times have you felt overwhelmed and just needed a moment to reset? I’ve found that taking time to breathe during a busy day or before a meeting helps clear my mind and regain focus. It’s also a vital tool when feeling stressed, helping me approach challenges with clarity and peace.
In my work with teams, I’ve learned to pause before responding — whether in a meeting or conversation. These brief pauses allow space for deeper connection and better responses. They foster empathy and understanding, helping us avoid reacting out of stress or frustration.
Breathing in Creativity
For creative leaders, breathing is vital for navigating pressure and sustaining creativity. Athletes understand that performance often depends on controlled, steady breathing. As creative leaders, learning to breathe intentionally can help us stay focused, manage stress, and approach projects with renewed vision.
Psalm 150:6 reminds us, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” Our breath is a gift, and it’s not just for survival; it’s a tool for flourishing creatively. Whether it’s taking a step back to breathe during a creative block or pausing before presenting an idea, that moment of breath can reset our thinking and help us align our work with God’s purpose.
Pause, Breathe, and Lead Well
Breathing gives us clarity, strength, and focus in all that we do. It’s a simple act, but it can make all the difference in how we lead, create, and live. I encourage you, as a leader, wherever you are today — remember to breathe. Pause, reflect, and invite God to fill you with His breath of life. You’ll be amazed at the peace, strength, and clarity that come from this simple yet powerful act.
Just Breathe.
A Call to Pause for Creative Leaders
In the fast-paced world of ministry ... production ... creative leadership, and just everyday life, it can feel like we’re constantly running out of breath — spiritually, emotionally, and physically. We push through deadlines, rehearsals, services, and just life, often forgetting one of the most vital aspects of living and leading well: breathing.
Feeling Breathless?
As a worship leader and vocalist, one of the most powerful revelations I’ve had is how essential breathing is. Proper breathing changes everything. For singers, it’s foundational — the difference between strain and ease, between a weak tone and a rich, full sound, between merely getting through a song and dynamically leading others. But beyond singing, I’ve realized how crucial breathing is for life itself.
Breathing is Life
In Genesis 2:7, we’re reminded that it was the very breath of God that gave life to humanity: “Then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.” From that moment on, we all need breath to survive — oxygen is essential to our physical life. But what about our emotional and spiritual life?
Just as we need to breathe physically, we also need to breathe mentally and emotionally. As a father, I constantly remind myself to pause and breathe before reacting to my kids. When they’re excited and struggling to find their words, I encourage them to take a moment, breathe, and gather their thoughts. Similarly, when correction is needed, I ask them to pause, breathe, and process before responding.
Breathing Brings Perspective
As leaders, we often rush through tasks, conversations, or creative decisions without pausing. But when we take a moment to breathe, something powerful happens: we gain perspective. It allows us to step back, see the bigger picture, and process what’s truly important.
I’ve found that even in the middle of a set, stepping back for a few seconds to breathe can reset my focus. It’s not just a physical act, but a spiritual one. That breath invites God’s Spirit to take over, helping me lead with fresh energy and perspective.
Psalm 150:6 says, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” Our breath is not just a tool for survival but a vessel for creativity, clarity, and expression. Each breath is an opportunity to reset, refocus, and align our creative endeavors with God’s purpose.
Breathing for Emotional and Mental Health
Breathing isn’t just about survival — it’s a practice essential for emotional and mental well-being. How many times have you felt overwhelmed and just needed a moment to reset? I’ve found that taking time to breathe during a busy day or before a meeting helps clear my mind and regain focus. It’s also a vital tool when feeling stressed, helping me approach challenges with clarity and peace.
In my work with teams, I’ve learned to pause before responding — whether in a meeting or conversation. These brief pauses allow space for deeper connection and better responses. They foster empathy and understanding, helping us avoid reacting out of stress or frustration.
Breathing in Creativity
For creative leaders, breathing is vital for navigating pressure and sustaining creativity. Athletes understand that performance often depends on controlled, steady breathing. As creative leaders, learning to breathe intentionally can help us stay focused, manage stress, and approach projects with renewed vision.
Psalm 150:6 reminds us, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” Our breath is a gift, and it’s not just for survival; it’s a tool for flourishing creatively. Whether it’s taking a step back to breathe during a creative block or pausing before presenting an idea, that moment of breath can reset our thinking and help us align our work with God’s purpose.
Pause, Breathe, and Lead Well
Breathing gives us clarity, strength, and focus in all that we do. It’s a simple act, but it can make all the difference in how we lead, create, and live. I encourage you, as a leader, wherever you are today — remember to breathe. Pause, reflect, and invite God to fill you with His breath of life. You’ll be amazed at the peace, strength, and clarity that come from this simple yet powerful act.
Just Breathe.