The transformation of a butterfly is one of nature's most magical events, and it begins with what could be seen as a moment of complete surrender. When it's time to change, the caterpillar doesn't simply sprout wings. Instead, it weaves itself into a cocoon—a sanctuary where it begins one of the most radical transformations in nature. Inside this cocoon, the caterpillar doesn’t just rest; it completely deconstructs itself, turning into a sort of primordial soup. The caterpillar literally dissolves, its old form vanishing into a goo that holds the promise of new life. This goo is a potent mixt ..read more

Sometimes, the world tells us to push through, to hustle, to "get over" those moments when stillness feels essential. The pressure to always be productive can leave us feeling like we're failing when all we want is to feel safe and slow down. But what if rest, instead of being a weakness, is actually a profound act of resilience and resistance? What if our bodies are wise, and those urges to retreat are signals of a deep need for healing? Let's honour those moments when we instinctively feel the need to cocoon, and learn to trust the transformative process that can unfold within those quiet sp ..read more

Part 1: The Neurodivergent Advantage The world often views neurodivergence (ND) through a lens of deficits and challenges. But what if we shifted that perspective? What if we recognized the unique strengths that ND individuals bring to the field of wellness and breathwork? This isn't about minimizing the very real difficulties that can occur, but about celebrating the hidden strengths that often accompany a neurodivergent mind. Increased Empathy: Many ND individuals possess a profound capacity for empathy, feeling the emotions of others deeply, sometimes even beyond what's consciously expres ..read more

That first breath marks the beginning of a journey that continues to shape us throughout our lives. It marks the body's astonishing transition from the fluid embrace of the womb to the vibrant and demanding world of air. This primal journey, echoing the rhythms of the universe, lays the foundation for our lifelong relationship with the breath. From our first breath to our final one, each inhalation and exhalation, we trace the arc of a life both ordinary and extraordinary. Section 1: The Preparation For months, the baby develops within a protected, fluid-filled environment. Oxygen and nutrient ..read more

Think about how busy life gets – it's easy to lose touch with something as basic as our own breath. Usually, it just happens on autopilot, and we might not even notice how it reflects our stress. But what if you could use your breath to feel calmer, more focused, and better equipped to handle whatever the day brings? That's where breathwork for beginners comes in. Much of the time, when we're worried or overwhelmed, our breathing gets quick and shallow. This puts our bodies into a stressed-out mode, a natural response known as the fight-or-flight response (Jerath et al., 2015). Breathwork teac ..read more

Throughout history, the breath has held deep significance and power. Rediscovered in recent decades by figures like Stanislav Grof and Leonard Orr, Conscious Connected Breathwork (CCB) is a modern practice with ancient roots (Orr, 1977). It utilizes a simple yet potent shift in your breathing pattern to potentially unlock healing, self-exploration, and expanded awareness. Think of CCB as a tool to bridge the gap between your conscious and subconscious mind. It can facilitate the release of stored emotions, outdated patterns, and lead to a greater sense of inner wholeness. While its potential i ..read more

Breathwork offers significant benefits for neurodivergent individuals, but without careful facilitation, it can be overwhelming or even harmful. Many wellness practices inadvertently cater to neurotypical needs, overlooking the unique experiences of the estimated 15-20% of people who identify as neurodivergent (Armstrong, 2010). By understanding and addressing these needs, we create more inclusive breathwork spaces, benefiting both neurodivergent participants and the broader community. Section One: Appreciating Neurological Pluralism The term neurodiversity encompasses conditions like autism ..read more

Our nervous system is astonishingly adaptable – it learns to keep us safe even in the most difficult circumstances. Sometimes, these survival strategies become less helpful over time, leaving us feeling stuck in patterns of stress, overwhelm, or disconnection. Polyvagal Theory, a framework that explores the impact of the vagus nerve on our emotional and physiological states, helps us understand these patterns, not as "brokenness," but as evidence of our body's incredible strength. This knowledge empowers breathwork facilitators to provide a compassionate, grounded space where clients can explo ..read more

Reflecting on my first in-person breathwork retreat Student Spotlight: Emma Uprichard This blog post was first published here: https://medium.com/@em.uprichard/reflections-of-my-first-in-person-breathwork-retreat-aa81ee1373c9 I recently went to my first in-person breathwork session, which happened to also be my first in-person breathwork retreat. I felt compelled to try it out. I am still processing what I got out of it. But here are some of my initial thoughts. Breathing in the North East I recently made my way to Langley Park, a little village 4 miles outside the city of Durham in the Nort ..read more

Breathing with the Urban Trees This blog post was originally published here: https://asthangyogsadhak.com/2023/01/15/breathing-with-the-urban-trees/ Student Spotlight: Tushar Ratanghayra Morning Walks It has been quite a few years since I go for morning or night walks and that habit continues as I recently shifted to Baner, Pune. But recently there are a few variations during the walk as: The society where I stay has a dense garden within the campus and the entire campus wall is also covered with copse of trees, so I walk a few rounds within the campus.  I keep observing the t ..read more