If someone had told us a year ago that breathing could change our lives, we probably would’ve rolled our eyes.
Breathing? We’ve been doing that our whole lives. What’s the big deal?
But here’s the thing—most of us aren’t actually breathing properly. Especially those of us who’ve lived through trauma, addiction, and years of stress. We’re holding our breath. Breathing shallow. Living in our chest instead of our belly. And all of that affects how we feel, how we heal, and how we show up in our recovery.
Breathwork isn’t just about taking deep breaths. It’s about using conscious, intentional breathing to access parts of ourselves that we can’t reach through talk therapy or traditional methods alone.
Here’s What Breathwork Has Done for Us
- Released emotions we didn’t know we were carrying
We’ve cried in breathwork sessions. Not because we were sad in that moment, but because our bodies were finally letting go of grief, anger, and fear we’d been holding onto for years. Breathwork creates space for that release—without having to talk about it or analyze it to death. - Helped us regulate our nervous systems
Addiction and trauma mess with your nervous system. For years, we lived in fight-or-flight mode without even realizing it. Breathwork taught us how to activate our parasympathetic nervous system—the part that helps you rest, digest, and actually feel safe in your own body. - Connected us to our bodies in a new way
Recovery is often so focused on the mind—thinking differently, changing behaviors, breaking patterns. But breathwork brings you into your body. It reminds you that healing isn’t just mental. It’s physical. It’s somatic. And sometimes, the body knows how to heal itself if we just give it the space to do so. - Gave us a tool we can use anytime, anywhere
You don’t need a therapist, a meeting, or anyone else to practice breathwork. Once you learn the techniques, you’ve got them for life. Feeling anxious? Breathe. Triggered? Breathe. Overwhelmed? Breathe. It’s simple, but it’s powerful.
Why Trauma-Informed Breathwork Matters
Not all breathwork is the same. Some techniques can be activating, especially if you’ve experienced trauma. That’s why trauma-informed breathwork is so important.
A trauma-informed facilitator understands that:
- Your body might need to move or shake during a session, and that’s okay
- You might need to stop or slow down, and that’s okay too
- Healing isn’t linear, and some sessions might bring up difficult emotions
- Creating a safe, non-judgmental space is essential
That’s the kind of training we’re doing with Neelam Taylor. We’re learning how to hold space for people in a way that honors their trauma, their triggers, and their unique healing journey.
Breathwork Isn’t a Magic Fix
Let’s be real—breathwork isn’t going to solve all your problems. It’s not a replacement for therapy, meetings, medication, or any other support you need in your recovery.
But it is a powerful tool. One that can complement everything else you’re doing. One that can help you access deeper levels of healing. One that can remind you that your body is capable of releasing what no longer serves you.
If You’re Curious About Breathwork
Start small. Try a guided breathwork video on YouTube. Find a local facilitator. Join an online session. Just make sure whoever you’re working with understands trauma and can create a safe space for you to explore.
And if you want to wait until we’re ready to facilitate sessions ourselves, we’d be honored to guide you through your own breathwork journey when the time comes.
For now, we’re still learning, growing, and experiencing the profound shifts that come from simply breathing with intention.
Your breath is always with you. It’s been keeping you alive this whole time. Maybe it’s time to let it help you heal too.
Together, we breathe.
Together, we heal.
Together, we stay fkn happy.
Suzi & Tony
