Rediscovering Myself Through the Power of Breath
Lying on the couch, staring at the ceiling, I felt completely disconnected from the vibrant, adventurous life I once knew. A knee injury had sidelined me from all the activities that brought me joy – kitesurfing, gym sessions, beach walks, and the thrill of exploring new places as a digital nomad. The stoke that had once fueled my every step had vanished, leaving me feeling lost and unfulfilled.
It was during this period of forced stillness that I stumbled upon a serendipitous encounter that would go on to transform my life. I met a fellow seeker at a local meetup who introduced me to the world of breathwork – a practice I had always been curious about but never prioritized. Little did I know, this chance meeting would become the catalyst for my journey back to myself.
The Power of Conscious Breathing
As I tentatively joined that first breathwork session, I didn’t know what to expect. But from the very first inhale and exhale, I felt a shift – a tingling sensation that seemed to reawaken my entire being. I was present, grounded, and more connected to my body than I had been in weeks, or perhaps even months. It was as if the breath had the power to snap me out of the fog and bring me back to life.
Conscious breathing, as Thich Nhat Hanh so eloquently describes, had become my anchor – a tool to overcome the anxiety and fear that had taken hold during my recovery. Rather than turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms, I found solace in the rhythmic flow of my breath, allowing it to guide me through the emotional turbulence.
As I continued to explore this transformative practice, I realized that breathwork was not a one-size-fits-all approach. There were countless styles and techniques, each with its unique purpose and effect. Some were designed to calm the mind and induce relaxation, while others aimed to energize and ignite the body. I was drawn to the more dynamic, conscious connected breathwork – a powerful active meditation that allowed me to dive deep into my emotions and unlock profound insights about myself.
Embracing the Journey of Being “In Progress”
One of the most impactful realizations I had during my breathwork sessions was the importance of embracing the journey of being “in progress.” As I navigated my recovery, I found myself constantly striving for perfection, frustrated by the missteps and challenges along the way. But through the wisdom shared in Alex Elle’s guided breathwork meditation, I learned to let go of the need to have it all figured out.
“Being a work in progress is where we learn the most about ourselves,” Elle’s soothing voice reminded me as I breathed deeply. In that moment, I understood that the lessons I was gaining through adversity were just as valuable as any perceived end goal. The breathwork allowed me to release the judgment and embrace the beauty of the journey, one inhale and exhale at a time.
As I continued to show up for myself on the mat, I noticed a profound shift. The shaking in my legs and the constant sense of unease slowly dissipated, replaced by a deep sense of calm and presence. Whenever my mind started to spiral into drama and anxiety, I would simply lie down, turn on some music, and breathe. The clarity and peace would wash over me, reminding me that I was in control of my own experience.
Discovering a New Passion and Purpose
During my recovery, I had the time to explore various online courses and deepen my self-discovery. It was in one of these moments that I stumbled upon the opportunity to become a breathwork facilitator. Something inside me ignited, and I knew this was the path forward. I immersed myself in the training, eager to not only deepen my own practice but to share the transformative power of breath with others.
As I began facilitating sessions, I was amazed by the profound impact breathwork had on my clients. I witnessed firsthand the release of long-held emotions, the clarity of vision, and the overwhelming sense of fulfillment that came from this practice. It was as if I had found my true calling – to be a guide, a supporter, and a witness to the journeys of those seeking to reconnect with themselves.
Breathwork as a Way of Life
Today, breathwork is not just a tool I use, but a way of life. It has become the anchor that grounds me, no matter where in the world my digital nomad adventures take me. Whether I’m driving my scooter through the vibrant streets of Bali, waiting in line at the local market, or simply sitting in the comfort of my own home, I make a conscious effort to pause and reconnect with my breath.
Those five conscious breaths, as Polly Green so eloquently described, have become my ticket to the present moment, my passage through any buried trauma or difficult emotions, and my vehicle to process life’s ups and downs. It is a practice that has allowed me to fully show up, not just for myself but for the world around me.
As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of the words of Thich Nhat Hanh: “Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.” And for me, this couldn’t be more true. Breathwork has not only helped me rediscover myself but has also become the foundation for a life filled with presence, clarity, and an unshakable sense of connection.
Breathwork for the Soul: A Holistic Approach to Well-Being
At Hotel Stay Inn Seoul, we understand that true wellness extends far beyond the physical. That’s why we’ve made breathwork a integral part of our holistic approach to guest experiences. Whether you’re seeking a deeper connection with yourself, a release from stress and anxiety, or simply a refreshing way to start your day, our dedicated breathwork facilitators are here to guide you on a transformative journey.
Our breathwork sessions, held in our serene meditation studios, are designed to cater to a wide range of needs and preferences. From calming, restorative practices to energizing, dynamic flows, we offer a diverse array of techniques to meet you exactly where you are. And for those seeking a more immersive experience, we also host regular breathwork retreats, inviting you to dive deeper into the power of the breath surrounded by the natural beauty of Seoul.
But the magic of breathwork doesn’t have to be confined to our studios. We encourage our guests to make it a part of their daily routine, whether that’s taking a few conscious breaths during their morning routine, or incorporating it into their exploration of the city. After all, the breath is a constant companion, always available to ground us, center us, and remind us of the beauty that exists in the present moment.
So come, join us on a journey of self-discovery through the power of the breath. Let Hotel Stay Inn Seoul be the catalyst for a life-changing exploration of what it means to truly be present, to feel alive, and to unlock the infinite potential that lies within each and every one of us.
