EP 1: My Breathwork Journey: From Anxiety to Empowerment
Welcome to the first episode of "Breathe More." I'm Ana Lilia, Breathwork and Mindset Coach, and I'm thrilled to finally bring this podcast to life. This podcast idea has been a post it note on my wall for three years, and now, it's finally happening. In this episode, I want to share my story, who I am, what I do, and why I'm so passionate about breathwork and healing.
Anxiety had been a part of my life for as long as I could remember, but I didn't realize it. I was what they call a high-functioning anxious person. The constant worrying, nervous tics, and hyper-vigilance were my companions. My family had a history of mental health issues, and I thought what I felt was normal. Little did I know that my journey to healing was about to begin.
When I moved to Los Angeles almost two decades ago, I started to delve into my own healing journey. Growing up in a household with an alcoholic parent had left its mark on me. Back then, there weren't as many resources or psychological terms readily available. I turned to the library, photocopying articles about children of alcoholics, and began my own research. It was the start of my awareness of how my environment had shaped my reality.
Therapy played a significant role in my healing journey, especially a type called ISTDP Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy, which introduced me to somatic awareness. My therapist guided me to connect my thoughts with the sensations in my body, a fascinating revelation.
As I continued exploring various healing modalities, breathwork came into my life. I vividly remember my first experience with it. I was struggling with depression, anxiety, a failing relationship, and dissatisfaction with my acting career. I stumbled upon a breathing meditation class, and it was transformative. Breathing to music, I felt sensations, vibrations, and intense emotions. I cried uncontrollably, surrounded by strangers, and felt fully in my body. It was a powerful experience that left me feeling lighter and more alive than ever.
I rushed home and had my partner try the same breathing exercise. He also had a profound experience but found it too intense to continue. I, on the other hand, was hooked. I attended more classes, shared the practice with friends and family, and decided I wanted to become a certified breathwork facilitator. Within a year, I achieved that goal.
Breathwork opened up a new world for me. It allowed me to accelerate my healing process and empowered me to take control of my well-being. It connected me with my essence, quieted the noise in my mind, and gave me clarity. I wondered why more people weren't talking about this transformative practice, especially eight years ago when it wasn't as well-known as it is today.
Breathwork became the cornerstone of my journey to self-discovery. It enabled me to leave my acting career behind and create a fulfilling business where I help others in their healing journeys. My journey has evolved over the years, and I'll delve into that in future episodes, but at its core, I assist people in achieving their goals, whether it's improving well-being, healing from trauma, managing anxiety, or manifesting their dreams.
I'm particularly passionate about helping others create their dream lives because I'm a living example of what's possible. Despite challenging circumstances and limited resources, I never gave up on my dreams. Now, I want to inspire others to believe in themselves and their ability to shape their destiny.
In future episodes of "Breathe More," I'll share valuable resources, tools, and the experiences of my clients. I'm committed to bringing in new modalities and introducing you to incredible people who can support your journey to a calmer, more empowered, and abundant life. Thank you for tuning in to my very first episode, and I can't wait to connect with you again soon. Remember, keep breathing.
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