In recognition of World Mental Health Day, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the importance of caring for our mental well-being—not only during challenging times, but as part of our everyday lives. In this personal and inspiring piece, Blue Yonder associate Guruprasath Sethuraman shares how more than two decades of meditation and breathwork have helped him build resilience, navigate profound loss, and find calm and clarity. Guruprasath’s story reminds us that supporting our mental health does not have to be complicated; sometimes, it begins with a simple pause and one intentional breath. Read on to learn more about his journey and the practices that have shaped his approach to mental well-being.
How have meditation and breathwork supported your own mental well-being over the past 20-plus years?
More Than Two Decades of Practice: I have been practicing breathwork and meditation for the past 23 years. These practices helped me sustain a smile and a sense of balance, but I did not fully understand their value in the most difficult circumstances until recently.
Finding Strength Through Loss: From 2019 to 2024, my life changed profoundly. I lost four of my closest family members, including my beloved wife and the devoted mother of our two teenage children. Beyond the grief, what could have become the most overwhelming period of our lives instead became a real-time practice in dispassion, resilience and commitment.
Strength Built Over Time: Looking back, I realize that 23 years of meditation had been quietly watering the roots of my inner strength. That strength began to emerge precisely when I needed it most.
Serving with Calmness and Clarity: These years of practice not only helped me navigate loss, but they also deepened my commitment to serve my customers with calmness and clarity. They strengthened my resolve to bring smiles to the communities around me and help others discover the inner strength they can rely on in moments of despair.
What first inspired you to begin practicing meditation and breathwork?
Early in life, I was looking for a practice that would bring greater discipline and focus. Friends introduced me to breathwork and meditation, which helped anchor my mind in the present and gave me a lasting sense of depth—far beyond the fleeting excitement of a brief “wow” moment. Once I experienced true mental stillness, I knew I had found something invaluable.
What are some of the most meaningful lessons you have learned through your practice?
Choose Happiness Intentionally: Complaining or giving in to sadness can be easy; choosing happiness during life’s most difficult moments takes courage and commitment.
Each new year, we make resolutions about what to become, what to do and what to avoid—all in pursuit of happiness. Yet we rarely resolve simply to remain happy throughout the year. Strengthening our inner resilience helps us honor that commitment.
See Health as Body and Mind: Health is often viewed only as physical fitness, but true well-being requires both the body and mind to feel strong, resilient and light.
A strong mind can support a weak body; a weak mind may struggle even when the body is strong.
Understand Meditation as Conscious Relaxation: Meditation is one of the simplest ways to experience deep rest. Twenty minutes of deep meditation can feel as restorative as several hours of sleep.
Meditation is not concentration; it is conscious relaxation. With deep rest, greater focus and concentration arise naturally.
How can meditation and breathwork help people manage stress, build resilience or feel more centered in everyday life?
About 90% of toxins are flushed from our bodies through our breath. However, in daily life, we use only about 30% of our lung capacity. Breathing techniques can expand lung capacity, increase oxygen delivery to cells, support detoxification and strengthen immunity. When our bodies feel good, our state of mind automatically improves. Inner calm provides mental clarity and an unshakable strength to face life’s daily challenges with a smile.
Why do you think caring for mental health does not have to be complicated?
Caring for the mind is like practicing dental hygiene; both depend on simple, consistent daily habits. Just a few minutes of calm at home can make a meaningful difference in everyday life. After all, relaxation is only a breath away.
What is one simple technique associates can try during the workday to pause, reset or take one intentional breath?
Set aside 15 minutes each day to S.T.O.P.—put Stress and Tension On Pause. Notice your breathing, take a few slow, deep breaths and utilize the wellbeing sessions Blue Yonder hosts to practice techniques such as alternate nostril breathing or bellows breath. A 15- to 20-minute pause can refresh your energy and help you approach the day with renewed focus.
How has your education and work as a facilitator with the Art of Living Foundation shaped your understanding of stress, wellness and mental health?
The Art of Living Foundation is one of the world’s largest volunteer-based nonprofits, specializing in stress management and trauma-relief programs.
My facilitator training with the Art of Living Foundation was among the most effective leadership experiences I have had. The rigorous 14-day, in-person program challenged me physically and mentally, strengthening my ability to understand and help communities find inner peace and rediscover joy.
I observed that communication often breaks down—at home or with customers—because of accumulated, unresolved stress. A calmer mind encourages creativity, clearer problem-solving and stronger communication and improved relationships. It also fosters empathy, helping build a healthier culture within and across organizations.
Relieving stress is essential to building healthier individuals and stronger teams.
What would you like associates to remember or take away from World Mental Health Day?
Treat mental hygiene like dental hygiene: make it a daily habit. A few quiet minutes can help you manage life’s ups and downs with greater ease. Never underestimate the power of your breath—regular breathwork and meditation can become a life jacket during life’s storms.