Andrea Borda‘s breathwork journey began during a challenging period in her life, leading her to discover the healing power of the breath. She now shares the benefits of breathwork, including stress reduction and emotional well-being, as well as conducting soothing sound healing sessions. Andrea, known as Andrea of Gaia, offers various energy healing services and has helped numerous clients find tranquility and transformation through her nurturing sessions. Learn more int the newest edition of MysticMag interviews.
How did you get introduced to breathwork and what sparked your interest in it?
So, my adventure with breathwork started during a time when life threw me a massive curveball: my divorce. That period was like hitting reset on my life, and I was on the hunt for something to help me heal. Little did I know that this quest would lead me to a surprising ally – freediving. It became my go-to therapy, my rock in those turbulent times. It was during those deep dives that I felt like I was entering a meditative trance, this serene connection to something much bigger, like a cosmic embrace.
Freediving was my first glimpse into the magic of the mind, body, and breath. I was beginning to understand that the way we breathe isn’t just about inhaling and exhaling; it’s like a secret handshake between our physical being and our breath. With each day, my curiosity grew, and I dived deeper into different breathwork techniques. It’s incredible how they started to change my everyday life. I found myself more relaxed and better equipped to fend off anxiety, and, most importantly, I stumbled upon a newfound sense of inner peace. But then, one day, I bumped into Somatic breathwork, and that’s when everything took a U-turn. My first encounter with it left me flabbergasted. It was like a floodgate of emotions and pent-up energy had burst open, and I was changed forever.
At that moment, I had an epiphany. This, this was going to be my purpose in life. I had uncovered a remarkable kind of medicine, and it’s been hiding within us all along: the breath. It’s the very first thing we do when we enter this world and the very last thing we do before we depart. This simple, often overlooked act of breathing has the power to heal and transform us. It’s a game-changer. It’s like a magic key to unlocking our hidden potential for healing and transformation, and I just had to share it with the world.
What are the benefits of breathwork?
The benefits of breathwork are truly remarkable. I heard a saying once that “the way you breathe is a reflection of your life and health”. It’s quite profound if you think about it. Many people don’t realize that something as simple as how you breathe can impact your well-being in many ways.
Let’s start with the basics – breathing through your mouth. It might seem insignificant, but it’s actually quite important. You see, your mouth is for eating, while your nose is for breathing. Nature has designed it that way for a reason. Those tiny hairs in your nose serve as your body’s natural filtration system, helping to clean and filter out bacteria before it enters your system. When we breathe through our mouths, we let in all sorts of unwanted bacteria and particles. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Breathwork, in its various modalities and techniques, offers a treasure trove of benefits. It’s not just about the physical act of breathing; it’s a gateway to healing, transformation, and self-discovery. Whether you’re engaging in somatic breathwork, holotropic breathwork, or other practices, you’re tapping into a world of possibilities.
From reduced stress and anxiety to increased energy and vitality, the benefits of breathwork are numerous. It’s a journey that takes you from simply surviving to thriving. So, remember, the way you breathe can profoundly impact your life, and breathwork is a tool to unlock your fullest potential.
Benefits of Breathwork:
● Stress Reduction: Breathwork helps lower stress levels by activating the body’s relaxation response, reducing the production of stress hormones.
● Improved Emotional Well-being: It can lead to better emotional regulation, enhanced mood, and a greater sense of calm and contentment.
● Enhanced Focus and Clarity: Breathwork practices can improve mental clarity, concentration, and cognitive function by increasing oxygen flow to the brain.
● Increased Energy: Deep breathing can boost energy levels by improving oxygen circulation in the body, leaving you feeling more invigorated.
● Enhanced Respiratory Function: Breathwork improves lung capacity, promoting better overall respiratory health.
● Physical Relaxation: It helps release physical tension, relaxing the muscles and reducing physical discomfort.
● And the benefits of somatic breathwork are even more incredible healing on a deeper subconscious level.
● Somatic breathwork is particularly effective in releasing stored emotional and physical trauma, providing a pathway for emotional healing.
● It enhances self-awareness and emotional intelligence, allowing individuals to understand and process their emotions more effectively. It can help alleviate chronic stress and anxiety by engaging the parasympathetic nervous system, inducing a relaxation response. This modality can facilitate self-expression, helping individuals communicate their feelings and experiences more authentically.
Can you walk me through a sound healing session?
Imagine yourself in a quiet and comfy space, ready for a unique journey. Find a cozy spot and settle in, whether it’s on your bed or a comfy couch. Consider using an eye mask to help you dive inward. This journey isn’t complicated. It’s like a gentle lullaby, guiding you to a peaceful state. We start at the very foundation, the Root Chakra, with the note C. I’ll use a special bowl, and as I play it with my left hand, you’ll feel an instant grounding sensation. Now, with my right hand, I’ll guide you through each of your chakras. It’s like a soft and soothing melody that resonates with your energy centers, aligning them.
I play with different instruments like chimes, rain sticks, an ocean drum, and a gong. Each one has its own unique vibe, like different chapters in a calming story, all coming together to create a beautiful soundscape. The sounds will wash over you, melting away any tension or stress. It’s an opportunity to dive deep into your inner self and discover the healing power within. These sounds are like old friends, here to support you. They create an atmosphere of peace and relaxation, as you let go of daily worries and simply be.
What energy healing services do you provide?
I provide the following services:
● Somatic Breathwork;
● Holotropic Breathwork;
● Regulating Breathwork;
● Sound Healing;
● Kundalini activation;
● Reiki;
● Soul Purpose coaching;
● NLP;
● Emotional code;
● Spiritual Coaching;
● Shamanic & plant medicine journeys;
● Transformational Trauma release coaching.
What feedback do you receive from your clients?
The feedback I’ve received from my sessions has been magical. I truly feel that I am giving a nurturing and loving space to people who join my sessions or work with me. Here are some testimonials:
● My journey with Andrea has been breathtaking. Literally. I was able to learn and execute powerful tools such as meditation, breath work, and visualization to connect with my core and awaken my soul. It’s been so cathartic and now I am sure I’ve got control over my life.
● Andrea was able to really help heal me following a tragic loss, honestly, I don’t know where I’d be without her. She was able to relate to my situation helping me understand where I was and what I was truly dealing with. Andrea was really able to listen to me and hear me out during this trying time and more importantly was able to change my perspective, thus giving me the tools to get back on my feet during a real low point in my life.
● Andrea has been an immense blessing in my life. I am beyond grateful that I have had the chance to work with her and gain a sense of calm and understanding of myself that I did not have before our meetings. She has a graceful peace and warm energy about her that is so welcoming. And her use of different tools that I was not aware of, like sound healing, and breathwork was eye-opening.
To learn more about Andrea and her work, you can visit andreaofgaia.com or www.zeropointactivation.org
