In the realm of mental health, a journey of self-discovery often involves unraveling layers of misunderstood experiences and hidden truths. For many women, particularly those diagnosed with ADHD later in life, this journey can be a complex and emotional one. The late diagnosis often sheds light on years of feeling "different" and struggling to fit into societal norms. In this blog post, we'll look into the nuanced relationship between ADHD and breathwork, sharing personal insights and practical tips for harnessing the power of breath to find calm and clarity amidst the chaos.

This is my story of late diagnosis, lifelong struggle, and learning to love breathwork as a person with ADHD.

If I'm honest, when I first finished my yoga teacher training, I felt a bit disillusioned. I expected to emerge knowing everything there was to know about yoga. It took me a while to realise that the training was just a foundation, a starting point. The real learning came from practice, from exploring different styles, and discovering the areas I was truly passionate about – like yin and restorative yoga.

And it's the same with breathwork. The initial training provides you with essential tools and knowledge, but the journey of learning and growth doesn't end there. The world of breathwork is constantly evolving. New research emerges, fresh techniques are developed, and the understanding of the mind-body connection deepens. To truly serve your clients and continue growing as a facilitator, continued education isn't just a good idea - it's essential.

As a breathwork facilitator, you have the power to transform lives through the simple act of conscious breathing. But did you know that you can further specialize your practice and reach a wider audience by tailoring your offerings to specific niches? By focusing on a particular area of expertise, you can not only deepen your impact but also attract clients who are specifically seeking your unique skills and knowledge.

My reason for training as a facilitator goes right back to birth. I was born blue and not breathing. I was taken away by doctors for around 10 minutes. My mum was delirious and unsure what they did, but on returning I was able to take my first breath and the blue colour faded.

During my childhood and for the first 14 years of my life I had serious breathing issues. I couldn’t breathe through my nose at all. I was asthmatic and needed an inhaler. I suffered from severe snoring and sleep apnea. I would breathe loudly and was teased about it relentlessly at school.

Up until recently, if you'd asked me, I would have smugly said, "I'm not an angry person, it’s just not something I experience." But life, as it often does, had a few lessons in store for me when I became a parent. As I've gone on my own journey of self-discovery, I've come to realise that anger has been lurking beneath the surface all along.

Growing up in a household where anger was seen as a "bad" emotion, I learned to suppress it, to bury it deep within so I could still be a “good girl”. Over time, I developed a clever disguise for my anger: sadness. In my family sadness is more acceptable, more palatable, and somehow less threatening. Sadness got hugs. Anger got silent treatment.

At Breathing Space, we're often asked about the career prospects that await our graduates after they complete their transformative journey with us. It's a question that speaks to the heart of every aspiring breathwork facilitator – the desire to not only share this powerful practice but also to build a sustainable and fulfilling livelihood around it.

We understand that stepping into the world as a newly certified breathwork facilitator requires a unique blend of tenacity, creativity, and a willingness to explore unconventional paths. While the journey towards a thriving career may not always be straightforward, it is absolutely possible.

My journey into breathwork began with two pivotal experiences that drew my attention to the importance of proper breathing techniques. In 2022, I participated in a local community theatre show. The musical director noticed I had shallow breathing patterns, which was hindering my vocal projection, so I tried just simple breathing deeper on my own. Six months later, I decided to try Reiki for the first time. Interestingly, the Reiki teacher also pointed out my shallow breathing and emphasized the benefits of deeper breathing techniques for both physical and emotional health.

Have you ever experienced that magical flow state in a vinyasa yoga class, where your breath effortlessly guides each movement, creating a seamless dance between body and mind? It's a feeling of complete immersion, where time seems to dissolve and you become one with the rhythm of your breath and the flow of your body. This harmonious union of breath and movement is at the heart of an embodied breathwork practice.