This was a huge realization for me in 2020, at the height of the pandemic. Like so many others I was working full-time at home and homeschooling my kids who were distance learning. I was scared, isolated, stressed, and completely burnt out. My anxiety, which I had not properly dealt with for years, was through the roof. 

You see, when our body and mind are constantly stressed for long periods of time, we enter "survival mode". Our nervous system prepares for threats and goes into “fight or flight” mode, causing hormonal imbalances and mental health issues. 

So there I was, struggling and seeking new coping mechanisms. At first, it was a few glasses of wine or a cocktail every night to help calm my nerves. When I realized that wasn't sustainable, I started up my yoga practice again and began meditating.  

This is when I really started to pay attention to my breath.

I noticed that when I was stressed, I would hold my breath or breathe shallow and fast without even knowing it. So I started experimenting with breathing techniques that seemed to ease my stress and anxiety. I started breathing slower. 

One day I saw an ad for an online training to become a Certified Breathing Coach and I said to myself "I don't know why, but I need to do this". Going through the training absolutely LIT ME UP. I learned about the autonomic nervous system, the science-backed benefits and results of breathing, certain ways to move the body with the breath, different techniques for different challenges, and how to work with clients.

I felt a calling toward my life's purpose. 

Shortly after that, I went to a transformational breathwork class and had an unexpected cathartic experience. I still don't quite understand what happened that day, but I wept. My body shook. I think I passed out for a second. I released the emotions of an event I didn’t even realize I was traumatized by. I ugly cried. But I felt more joy and love for myself than I ever have before. I felt vibrant and alive. Then, I had this sense of clarity and knowing that I wanted to share this and teach breathwork to others.

And so my healing journey began.

I committed to a daily breathwork practice, did a ton of research and experimentation, bought all the books about breathing, started working with a life coach, studied with some of the greatest breathwork teachers, and pulled together my favorite somatic healing modalities.

The result? I learned how to regulate my own nervous nervous system, release stored emotions, and let go of limiting beliefs. One day I just looked up and realized that my anxiety was gone. My stress levels were way down. Other symptoms tied to my stress and anxiety were gone too. My body was healing itself. I was transforming my life with the power of my own breath. 

It was through this process that I created my signature Breath of Life program and a set of offerings dedicated to help others transform their lives as well. 

Breathwork works.

Those of us who are experiencing stress, anxiety, overwhelm, digestive issues, poor sleep, depression, trauma, and grief can breathe to feel joyful, connected, abundant, and empowered. We can breathe to heal. 

Your body holds the power to heal itself if you are willing to feel and release what it is that's holding you back.

You have the power within you.  Are you willing to breathe into it?