My Story

Like many people I spent my late 20's living life, as I thought at the time, ‘to the fullest’. Really I was pushing my body and my mind to its limits in a way that was unsustainable and in my early 30's I dropped into a severe burnout. My job, relationships, body and inner voice were all telling me flatly that change was necessary. This manifested in escalating forms of mental and physical unwellness.I had dabbled with meditation and yoga in the past for exercise and stress reduction but in this moment I knew that only deep and lasting commitment to my wellbeing could resolve my crisis.I had the intuition that combining yoga and meditation together could facilitate lasting change. Within a few months I had resolved much of my crisis and was well on my way to significantly exceeding my previous capabilities. I genuinely felt then that I had discovered a superpower, like a doorway that unlocks life's hidden secrets.Over the years my perspective has become more humble, however I have no doubt that the capability I discovered also exists in you.My life mission is now to help as many as I can to find and unlock this pathway within themselves. Your path may look different to mine and I now recognise numerous Paths to Freedom. Breathe Be Free exists to help you discover your path.Explore Paths to Freedom to see which appeals most to you.

Paths To Freedom provide a clear shape and natural progression for everything I offer through Breathe Be Free. This means I can provide you with a tailored service meeting you where you are now, and map the ways to the person you are becoming.Select your path and the practices then unfold naturally before you. Although each path is independent they are also mutually supportive; so for example practicing your breathwork and pranayama as part of the Breath Attunement pathway can also support your meditation in the Meditative Awareness path.

Explore your pathway below

Breath Attunement - Reset your nervous system and find your inner rhythm

Breath attunement is foundational. Particularly suited to those who are new to somatic practices. Learning to use it skilfully and with awareness can be life changing because it is always there for us when we need it. I specialise in Pranayama breathwork practices from the yoga tradition. These are modular techniques that with increasing mastery you can weave into daily life to regulate your brain, body and nervous system - reducing stress, cultivating focus and energy whenever you need it.Book a 45 minute Gateway Breath session or Sign Up to receive Alive in Breath a free introductory breathwork practice.

Restful Presence - Go beyond rest and recover your deepest being

When the world is so busy and full of noise, relaxation and true peace can feel ever elusive. In these highly accessible guided practices, perfect for those who struggle to meditate, I guide you into deep states of relaxed awareness. The pinnacle is Yoga Nidra or Yogic sleep, a place of easy floating awareness somewhere between sleep, dreaming and meditation that is highly rejuvenating. Yoga Nidra is so powerful that it is now a scientifically validated treatment to calm the traumatised systems of combat veterans. With directed intention these states can be used for resetting unconscious habits and beliefs that hold you back.Book a Guided Relaxation session.

Somatic Awakening - Awaken your body and reconnect with vitality

The body is our greatest asset, the most tangible aspect of our being. Through movement and shape we shift, change, demonstrate and understand our most visceral selves. Modern life consistently pulls us out of our bodies and into our heads, thoughts dominate our being and bodily awareness is lost. Through Yoga Asana practices you will learn to unite body and mind in physical form, awakening this dormant self, releasing the stored tension, while enhancing physical capability and capacity. These sessions are tailored to your unique body and set the stage for engaging effectively in other pathways.Book your Somatic Awakening session.

Embodied Release - Let go of what's held and unlock emotional clarity

Our bodies and minds hold secrets below the surface that are waiting to be unlocked and explored. Through embodied release we use guided mindfulness techniques and conversation to collaboratively explore these so they can be surfaced, understood and released. Informed by Hakomi Psychotherapy principles and techniques, this process can feel deeply cleansing as we work together to compassionately integrate stored emotions and experiences that may have been unconsciously directing your life for as long as you can remember.Book an Embodied Release session.

Meditative Awareness - Dive deeper into self-discovery and inner wisdom

The Meditative Awareness Pathway is a bottomless pool of opportunity to understand and cultivate your ability to be present with life as it is. Inspired by the best of Buddhist Insight and Himalayan Yogic meditation this pathway will lead you ever deeper into the ocean of being within. Although this is the most advanced path, it is also immediately accessible and valuable for beginners. There is nothing more beautiful or humbling than discovering your essence in deep states of meditative awareness. It would be my pleasure to help you build, evolve or support your meditation practice.Book a Meditative Awareness coaching session.

Practices like Mindful Eating, Hot and Cold Immersion (Sauna + Icebaths) & Resistance Training can be interwoven as complementary practices to naturally enhance any of the above paths.

Services

1 to 1 Facilitation

A 1 on 1 session with me is tailored to you and your Pathway to Freedom. This could include: breathwork & pranayama for nervous system regulation and energy, meditating to deepen your presence and awareness, relaxing and restoring with Yoga Nidra, awakening the body mind connection with yoga asanas or exploring mindfully to release stored emotions with the Hakomi method. These are offered online with limited in person availability in Otago.Not sure where to start? Let's have a conversation.Start Here

Arrive In Nature

A ½ day Immersion in stunning Glenorchy. Fire, Water, Movement and Breath. Discover the depth of your belonging.More information and booking here

Workshops

The Winter Series - What if you really could hibernate?An exploration of slowing down through savasana and akasha pranayama — the stillness and space in breathBookings available soon

Events

Yoga and breathwork sessions for groups in Glenorchy, Queenstown and Dunedin
See my Facebook or Instagram page for further details about upcoming events.