Breathwork Saved My Life: A Healer’s Journey
Embracing vulnerability, life feels much like a roller coaster, filled with moments of daring greatly and facing the challenges of our past. In my journey, I’ve had the benefit of experiencing the power of vulnerability and the strength of resilience. And this wild ride led me to the transformative practice of breathwork.
Growing up, my world was a whirlwind, and to shield my heart, I often disconnected from my body. It’s a technique many of us know too well.
This isn’t unusual. Over the last 12 years of education and experience, I’ve learned that to actually be in our body takes practice. Most of us grow up living in front of our body, and very often above our body as well. We create rigid armor and tight constrictions to keep us safe.
And as children, it may have been the only way to feel safe.
Above, In Front or Trapped in The Past
I know for that when my father and mother got drunk at night and recruited the four of us out of bed, lined us up in the living room to witness their fights, I discovered if I left my body and lived in front of myself, they would usually pick me instead of my siblings. Or during physical violence, if I left my body and went to the upper left corner of the room to watch, it would hurt a lot less.
But, over time, this pattern of outward diffusion became chronic and unconscious.
And like with everything, it had its perks! This pattern of living outside of my body combined with living in the fawn response was very helpful in corporate America. I made millions of dollars, climbed the status ladder and traveled the world.
All outside my body.
The Wild Ride Continues
I left home at 15. My siblings moved in with me while I attended art school. For two years I had the very overwhelming privilege of being a stand-in parent for three children. After art school and one more degree in marketing, I moved to Boulder, Colorado and had the heart-opening experience of joining a wellness community dedicated to changing the way the world works. The bubble burst in 2000, and I lost everything. While couch surfing, I had my first spiritual awakening and met my Beloved.
Carlos and I have been together for 22 years. During that time, we’ve lived in five states, currently calling our 2.5 acres in the land of Enchantment with Adobe cottage home. During the last twelve years, I’ve devoted myself to recovery from CPTSD with over 32 certificates in trauma resolution, recovery, post-traumatic growth, Somatics, and breathwork.
And then, 12 years ago, everything changed…
Breathwork Saved My Life
In a yoga studio in San Antonio, Texas, in 2011, I discovered breathwork. This active meditation, emphasizing conscious breathing, became pivotal in my healing process. The simplicity of its practice belies its depth.
During breathwork we can access the subconscious and all the trapped energy of our lives… unearthing long-buried emotions and facilitating profound insights.
We also learn how to cultivate a felt sense of safety in our bodies. And over time, it felt safe enough to come home to my body.
My entire world changed. As I learned to be in my body, not in the back (past), in the front (anxiety) or above (disassociation)… my capacity to create, to serve, to enjoy and to LOVE grew and grew.
The Feeling of Love Alive in My Body
As I brought more of myself home, I began to understand and actually feel self-love. I started to hold all of the parts of myself, the trapped energy, the shame and disgust I carried inside with compassion. And over time, breathing every day, this compassion turned to curiosity. And with the softness of curiosity, those parts came back into my awareness with love.
This Is Here For You Too
My journey stands as proof of breathwork’s transformative power. One of the many ideas I find so empowering about this work is that you can learn it for yourself and teach it to others.
Having experienced the profound impact of David Elliott’s work firsthand, I am passionate about sharing these healing tools with you. Whether you’re a seasoned healer, a seeker, or someone looking to break free from the trapped energy you’ve been carrying inside, this training promises growth, access to more internal safety, self-love, and a renewed sense of purpose.
So, are you ready to transform, to heal, and to embrace your true potential?
I am assisting Danielle Hering for Healer Levels One and Two in San Diego, November 9-12th.
Join us for this immersive Healer Training and let’s embark on this journey together. Your path to self-love, empowerment, and embodiment awaits.