Breath of Morocco: A Journey Inward

by Laurie Richardone

Have you ever visited a place that changed the way you breathe?

I recently returned from a journey through Morocco, and it wasn’t just the landscapes, flavors, or culture that left an imprint; it was something more profound. I began in the coastal town of Essaouira, attended a six-day transformational breath seminar, and ended in the vibrant chaos of Marrakesh. Somewhere along the way, something shifted.

Essaouira, with its steady Atlantic breeze and sun-bleached medina, invites stillness. Known as the city of blue doors, its rhythm is unhurried. Fishermen call out their catch, gulls echo through the narrow alleys, and the scent of salt and cedarwood fills the air.

Breathing here isn’t rushed; it becomes a deliberate act. The wind feels like a quiet guide, inviting you to slow down and exhale.

From this calm, I dove into a week of conscious breathwork. In that space, I remembered breath grounds us, it creates space in our thoughts, and attunes us to our surroundings.

And then came Marrakesh—fiery, fast, and alive. If Essaouira is an exhale, Marrakesh is a sharp inhale. The medina pulses with life: vivid colors, fragrant spices, woven rugs, and winding souks.

At first, it overwhelmed me. But soon, I found moments of stillness in the chaos: a call to prayer, a hidden garden, a stranger’s quiet gaze.

These two cities are not opposites. They mirror what we carry inside—our need for calm and our thirst for intensity. The key, I realized, is knowing when to breathe in deeply and when to let go.

I was reminded why conscious breathing matters. Not just here, but always.

First, it grounds us. In a world that pulls us in a thousand directions, one deep breath brings us back into our bodies.

Second, it creates space in our thoughts, our reactions, and our pace. A pause in breath becomes a pause in life.

And third, it attunes us to the textures of a place, the energy of a moment, even the emotions we tend to rush past.

So with each breath, we’re not just surviving the moment — we’re meeting it.

So wherever life takes you next, listen to your breath. Let it guide you, not just through the world, but deeper into yourself.

Wishing you safe travels ~ ~

If you’re a curious person or a cook, join me on my Podcast, A Taste for All Seasons.

Listen to the latest episode, Breathing The Soul Of Morocco.

All episodes are on LaurieRichardone.com ~ or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Laurie Richardone is a seasonal chef, teacher of gluten-free cooking, and Wellness Coach

To work with Laurie, visit LaurieRichardone.com/contact