Inspired by the transformative journey of the butterfly, this article explores the profound power of rest and the importance of honoring our natural cycles of retreat and renewal. It challenges the societal pressure to always be productive, offering a compassionate, trauma-informed perspective that views rest as a catalyst for growth. Readers are invited to trust their bodies' wisdom, to find strength in stillness, and to emerge from those quiet spaces with a newfound understanding of the beauty within their own cycles of transformation.

Society often views neurodivergence through a deficit lens. Yet, in the world of breathwork and wellness, those perceived differences can become profound strengths. This article challenges assumptions, highlighting the advantages of the ND mind, strategies for managing challenges, and the importance of showing up as your authentic self for both personal well-being and the benefit of those you serve.

By embracing the full spectrum of our experiences – the joyful and the painful, the light and the shadow – we unlock a deeper understanding of ourselves. Integration isn't about erasing the difficult parts of our stories, but about weaving them into the rich tapestry of who we are. Through expressive arts, breathwork, and other transformative practices, we give ourselves the gift of self-compassion. We learn that challenges don't define us; instead, they shape the incredible resilience that resides within each of us.

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 North East of England. I had lived in Durham, as a postgraduate student and then a member of staff at the university, so it was a good excuse to go back. Having a breathwork retreat in the North East symbolised something special, something about change and hope and something I had to be part of.…