In this deeply honest episode, I talk with Syed Abbas—global meditation teacher, disability advocate, and father—about how a life-altering diagnosis of muscular dystrophy pushed him into the world of breathwork, mindfulness, and inner transformation.

 

We talk about:

1. His journey from depression and chronic medication use to mental clarity and peace

2. What it’s like to live with a progressive disability—and find pride and power in it

3. The science and simplicity of breathwork

4. Why caregivers, especially parents of children with disabilities, are stuck in constant fight-or-flight—and what they can actually do about it

5. How just a few deep breaths can shift your nervous system, your energy, and your life

 

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

1. Learn Sudarshan Kriya (SKY Breath Meditation): https://www.artofliving.org/us-en/sky

2. Sahaj Samadhi Meditation course info: https://www.artofliving.org/us-en/meditation/sahaj-samadhi

3. Upcoming in-person event with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in the Bay Area (July 2025): https://event.us.artofliving.org/us-en/lp1/sfba/wellness-with-gurudev/

🧪 Studies & Science Behind Breathwork and Pranayama

1. Breath-based meditation can reduce anxiety and enhance well-being: Streeter, C.C., et al. (2020). Effects of Yoga on the Autonomic Nervous System, Gamma-aminobutyric-acid, and Allostasis in Epilepsy, Depression, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11: 782. Read the full study on PubMed Central

2. Pranayama improves cardio-respiratory efficiency and endurance in healthy young adults: Satheesh, R., & Bindu, C.B. (2020). Pranayama improves cardio-respiratory efficiency and physical endurance in young healthy volunteers. International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 8(7), 2421–2425. Read the full article on MSJOnline.org

3. Pranayama and aerobic exercise enhance heart rate variability and VO₂ max in sedentary middle-aged men: Hariprasad, R., Prabhu, N., & Karishma, S. (2024). Effect of Aerobic Exercise and Pranayama on Heart Rate Variability and Maximal Oxygen Consumption in Sedentary Middle Aged Males. International Journal of Current Medical and Applied Sciences, 42(2), 20–25. Read the full article on IJCMAA