Several years ago, my world was irreversibly shattered. I lost my husband, my partner of over two decades, and the person I imagined growing old with. Grief swept in like a tidal wave, leaving me adrift and unmoored. It wasn’t just the pain of losing him—but also losing who I thought I was. Life carried on around me, but I felt stuck, frozen in time.
For a while, I lived on autopilot. I did what was necessary to survive, but I wasn’t truly alive. My body felt rigid, like it was weighed down by grief. My thoughts were relentless, and sadness would sneak up on me in the most ordinary moments. It felt like I was disconnected from the world, and, more importantly, from myself. I didn’t know how to reclaim my sense of being, my spark, or my vitality. But, as with so many of life’s transformations, healing came one small step at a time.
A Path to Breath and Vitality
My healing really began with yoga. I started attending classes where gentle movement and the focus on breath provided some relief from the heaviness in my heart. At first, it didn’t feel life-changing. It was subtle, almost imperceptible. But over time, those moments on the mat became a refuge. I wasn’t just stretching or moving; I was breathing in a way that felt… intentional. And that intention began to carry over into my days.
From there, I began using breathwork as its own standalone practice, separate from yoga. It became a way to center myself in the present, especially on the hard days when grief surged unexpectedly. Breathing wasn’t just about survival anymore; it became my grounding tool, a way to calm my racing thoughts and quiet my anxious heart.
But there was a shift yet to come. At some point along the way, I encountered the powerful combination of sound and breathwork. There’s something almost mystical about the way your breath works with sound frequencies; it felt like the door to a hidden part of myself had swung open. This wasn’t just calming; it was invigorating. Through this blending of sound and breath, I accessed parts of me I thought were lost forever. I felt alive in a way I hadn’t for years.
Lessons from My Journey
Now, as a SOMA Breath instructor actively working towards my Master level certification, I have the privilege of sharing this transformational practice with others. It’s been a deeply personal and universal experience, and there are a few lessons I’ve drawn from this path that I’d like to share:
- Start Where You Are
Healing often doesn’t start with groundbreaking revelations. For me, it began with attending that first yoga class, even when leaving the house felt monumental. It’s those small first steps that inch us toward something greater. - Your Breath is a Bridge
Breathwork is simple yet profound. It’s a direct line to your nervous system, your emotions, and, ultimately, your inner self. Even just spending a few minutes a day focused on deep, conscious breathing can create shifts in how you feel. - Grace Over Perfection
Healing isn’t linear. There are still tough days, and that’s okay. Give yourself permission to stumble, to rest, and to move at your own pace. Every moment you choose self-care is part of your progression. - The Power of Sound and Breath Together
Adding sound to my breath practice expanded my experience beyond anything I thought possible. Start by listening to simple, soothing tones during your breathwork and notice how much more connected you feel.
From Surviving to Thriving
Looking back now, I can see a clear line between the person I was then and who I am today. I’m not the same woman I was before I lost my husband, and I never will be. But I’ve found strength, clarity, and vitality I hadn’t imagined could exist after such profound grief. My breath became my lifeline, my way back to myself, and my way forward into something new.
If you’re in the depths of your own pain, I want you to know this: change is possible. Healing is possible. And while it may start as a whisper, barely noticeable, with time and care, it can grow into something that transforms your life.
Above all, please take it one breath at a time. You’re not alone. And, if you’re ready, you have the power to find your way back to vitality. I’m here to guide you if you’d like to explore this path together.
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