Lisa, that's an excellent example of how using mindfulness based practices (in your case breathing and yoga) can shift us into a place where we can really think about the best way to respond, as opposed to just reacting.

It's interesting this month both Nightline anchor Dan Harris and hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons released books on meditation, and how it has benefited them in their careers (and lives overall, but they both emphasize career.) In both cases it really came down to stress management, and being able to let go of an initial emotional reaction to a challenge or obstacle, so that they could then respond in an intelligent, peaceful manner.