MSI Press Blog

  After Doah was released home from the neonatal unit, where he stayed for three weeks, given his premie status, life returned to normal. At least, normal for the Mahlou family. I returned to work while continuing to nurse Doah. As usual, everyone watched out for everyone else, Lizzie babysitting Noelle and Shane, and Noelle continuing with her special needs programming. Donnie, at that time, working on honing his photographic skills at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh (and using me for a model for his, yikes, nudes).  Dr. Paul, Doah's pediatrician, who knew the family and me well from all the kids, especially Noelle and her special needs, said Doah would do better at home and promised to release him as soon as he gained one ounce, which he did. Hope floated like a balloon. It was so much easier having Doah home. No more trips to the hospital to nurse him. Crazy life continued on its crazy path, but at least it was a known path for us and, therefore, mostly comfortable, perhaps...

After that cardio class —ninety minutes of dancing, lunging, jumping, and shadow boxing—I realized something: It wasn’t just my legs that were tired. It was my lungs . My breath was ragged, shallow, and rebellious. I had strength. I had grit. But I didn’t have breath control. And that, dear reader, is a ninja’s weak spot. 🧘‍♀️ Breathwork: The Hidden Blade Breath isn’t just oxygen. It’s rhythm. It’s recovery. It’s the difference between powering through and burning out. Here’s what I’ve learned (and am still learning): 1. Inhale to Prepare, Exhale to Power Before a lift, a lunge, or a leap: inhale. During the exertion: exhale sharply. It stabilizes the core and fuels the movement. 2. Nasal Breathing for Endurance Breathing through the nose warms, filters, and regulates airflow. It also activates the diaphragm more fully, which means deeper, more efficient breaths. 3. Box Breathing for Recovery After a tough set or a cardio burst, I use this: Inhale for 4 counts Hold f...