Critical Reflection
Laura González’s piece explores breath as a multi-dimensional concept – at once physical, psychological, cultural and spiritual. Her narrative weaves together personal experience, Eastern philosophy, scientific understanding as well as literary references to explore how the relationship of breath to communication, suffering, care and self-awareness.
The piece consists of 27 number reflections, divided by asterisk pairs which serve as both textual markers and invitations for the reader to breathe – and be conscious of that act. This creates a rhythmic, meditative format that mirrors the subject of González’s piece. The tone shifts between intimate confession…
She has noticed a breathlessness, a suffocation, when I speak in public.
(González, 2020:69)
…scholarly explanation…
SNS-dominant states are often manifestations of the body’s retention of patterns of distress and trauma
(González, 2020:70)
…and instructional guidance…
By observing it, simply paying some attention to the qualities and the patterns of the breath, it slows down
(González, 2020:72)
This plurality of voices in the structure of the text creates a rich, multilayered narrative that reflects the complexity of breath itself.
González’s writing deliberately cultivates both understanding as well as ambiguity. Whilst offering concrete physiological explanations…
Resonance – what happens when our heart rate, heart rate variability, blood pressure and brainwave function come into a coherent frequency – is triggered with a breath rate of six breaths per minute.
(González, 2020:71-72)
…the author simultaneously embraces paradox and contradiction – breath is ‘autonomous’ yet can be ‘manipulated’, self-care practices may either heal or “enact deep internal struggles”. This balanced approach invites readers to engage with breath’s inherent complexity rather than reducing it to simple prescriptions.
The content, language, and structure of the text are deeply interconnected. The asterisk breath-markers, embody the central theme of the narrative, encouraging readers to physically participate in the ideas being discussed. The numbering creates pauses that mirror the breathing process itself, whilst the mixture of personal anecdotes, scientific facts and philosophical insights reflects the authors view of breath as connecting mind and body, East and West, autonomic function and conscious control. This integration effectively communicates the holistic nature of breath as both ordinary, often overlooked, biological necessity and profound philosophical terrain.
Research Notes
List of References
González, L (2020) ‘Twenty-Seven Thoughts on One Breath’ In: Jagoe , R. and Kivland, S. (eds.) On Care London: MA Bibliothèque. pp. 69 – 75
Bibliography
Gonzáles, L., Bissell, L., Doolittle, E., (2024) On Inspiration At: https://pure.rcs.ac.uk/en/publications/on-inspiration (Accessed 03/03/25)
Bissell, L., González, L., Heddon, D,. Murray, S. (2018) ‘Afterword; Acts of Care’ In: The Scottish Journal of Performance 5 (1) pp. 179-184
González, L (2024) To Divine is to See At: https://www.lauragonzalez.co.uk/art/to-divine-is-to-see/ (Accessed 03/03/25)