In this episode of the "Life with Breath Expert Series," Ed interviews breathwork and movement expert Gray Caws. They explore Gray's holistic approach, blending the Oxygen Advantage method with mindful movement to support mental and physical health. The conversation covers the importance of intention, trust-building, self-value, and adapting practices for diverse groups. They discuss the science of circadian rhythms, the impact of mood, and the power of simplicity in wellness routines, emphasizing slow, mindful movement and breathwork as transformative tools for resilience and well-being in today’s fast-paced world.
Introduction and Gray’s Background (00:00:13)
Gray introduces his work in breathwork, movement, and holistic health, and how he integrates these modalities.
Hybrid Techniques and Openness (00:03:34)
Discussion on hybridizing modalities, being open to new techniques, and ensuring safety and scientific backing.
Universal Principles for Different Populations (00:07:28)
Exploring how the same foundational practices apply to athletes, corporate clients, and others, with adjustments in language and approach.
Self-Value and Quality over Quantity (00:13:19)
The importance of self-value, quality moments, and the challenge of quantifying subtle health improvements.
Heart Rate, Breath, and Conflict (00:16:07)
How breath and heart rate influence conflict resolution and decision-making, and the value of slow, mindful movement.
Crawling, Movement Efficiency, and Learning (00:18:26)
The significance of crawling and slow movement for stability, efficiency, and learning, including insights from Feldenkrais.
Slowness as Antidote to Modern Life (00:22:11)
The power of slow, mindful movement and breath as a counterbalance to the fast pace and stress of modern society.
Bookends of the Day and Brain Rhythms (00:28:09)
The value of morning and evening routines, brainwave transitions, and setting intentions at the start and end of the day.
Stress, Micro Victories, and Positive Reflection (00:30:27)
Reframing stress, celebrating small wins, and ending the day with positive thoughts and anticipation for tomorrow.
Breath Rates, Heart Rates, and Nervous System (00:36:38)
Breath and heart rates as indicators of nervous system state and their relevance in performance and health.
Breathwork and Mental Health (00:37:41)
The role of breathwork in mental health, the need for caution, and the value of subtle, safe practices.
Powerful vs. Subtle Breathwork (00:39:35)
Balancing strong techniques like breath holds with subtle practices, and tailoring approaches to individual needs.
Mood, Circadian Rhythms, and Environment (00:44:08)
Exploring the concept of mood, its links to circadian rhythms, environment, and personal experiences. Explaining circadian biology, cortisol rhythms, and practical ways to align breath and movement with daily energy cycles.
Simplicity, Value, and Social Media Overwhelm (00:55:30)
Emphasizing the power of simple, accessible practices and self-value amidst overwhelming health information online.
Some Cool Stuff!
1. Breath AS Medicine Trainings: 25-Hour Designed for Health & Wellness Professionals OR 15-Hour Designed for Personal Trainers & Fitness Professionals
https://www.edharrold.com/breath-medicine-elearning-trainings
2. Breath AS Medicine +: These sessions weave together breathwork, mindfulness, nature, psychological & physiological resilience and circadian health into a transformative holistic approach to improving your health and well-being. NEXT SESSION BEGINS OCT
https://www.edharrold.com/breath-as-medicine-plus.
3. Breath Coaching Sessions Tailored To Your Individual Health Goals
https://www.edharrold.com/breath-coaching
4. The Breath Source Breathing App: Deepen your practice with myself and over 50+ Breath Masters.
https://portal.thebreathsource.app/register?pap_id=EdHarrold
