On a physical level, water is often called the universal solvent because of its ability to dissolve almost anything at the molecular level. On a spiritual level it is the breath which acts as a universal solvent, because there is no trauma so great, no wound so deep, no delusion so convincing, that deep and mindful breathing will not dissolve it.
Darren Main, The River of Wisdom: Reflections on Yoga, Meditation, and Mindful Living
meditation, mindfulness, yoga