A compressive applied force at the zero frequency limit applied on confined granular alignments is shown to result in tunable and higher frequency nonlinear granular breathing. We use extensive dynamical simulations and simple arguments to probe the origins of these breathing processes. In the presence of dissipation, the breathing has a lifetime that is inversely proportional to the dissipation constant. The possible use of the concept of nonlinear granular breathing in recovering the energy released at the beaches by surface gravity waves using a system made largely of nonmoving parts is mentioned as a possible application. © 2009 American Institute of Physics.