Written by Brendan Holland
Last month, I briefly introduced the world of breathwork. There’s so much more to it! This month, I want to share a bit about myself, and like breathwork, there is more to me than can fit on this page.
Originally from Newcastle, NSW, I’m married with four kids. Since April 2021, my family and I have been living on the road in a caravan. Having stumbled across Hervey Bay, we’ve based ourselves here for the past couple of years, and as I write this column, we’re in Sanur, Bali, embracing freedom! A BIG part of our life.
Raised by a single mum who did her best with her own experiences and conditionings, I lacked positive male role models growing up. Like many, I carry baggage… some I’m aware of and working through, and some I have yet to discover. We only know what we know, and what we don’t know… we don’t know.
As a child, I felt like a black sheep. I sensed that life was more than what we were led to believe. I hated school, the structure, the “prison-like” feel, being told when to play, eat, and ask permission for the toilet. Freedom was non-existent. This sentiment carried into my work life, the grind of a job, limited family time, and brief holidays. This “life” wasn’t for me, and I know it’s not for many others.
Now, I’m doing what I love… BREATHWORK!!! specifically TRANSFORMATIONAL breathwork. This practice has changed my life, deepening my self-connection, helping me process my past, and acting as a catalyst for my dreams and future. Breathwork has also expanded my awareness into other dimensions, though that’s a story for another month…
With the introductions over, we can dive into the purpose of this column, and that is sharing my insights, wisdom, parts of my story, and practical advice you can incorporate into your life.
Here’s a simple box breathing exercise to get started.
- Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds.
- Hold your breath for 4 seconds.
- Exhale through your mouth for 4 seconds.
- Hold your breath for 4 seconds.
Put on some relaxing music and repeat this cycle for 5-10 minutes to promote relaxation and focus.
“The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.” — Albert Camus
