Oliver James: Transform Your Life with Breath and Body Work
There's so much energy there that we can use, and in my own work we use it's body-led psychotherapy. You can see it in their body, you can see it in their posture, so just getting them to breathe and move in a particular way, and suddenly this kind of darkness comes out and it's laughter and it's growling.
Ever thought about how breath can change your life? In this episode of 'The One You Feed', Eric Zimmer chats with Oliver James, a body-led psychotherapist and breathworker, to uncover the transformative potential of breath and body work. Oliver shares insights from his book, *21 Breaths: Breathing Techniques to Change Your Life*, and discusses how integrating breath, movement, and body work can support personal transformation and self-exploration.
Oliver explains that our bodies often hold onto trauma and stress, and breath work can help release these tensions. He emphasizes that there's no one-size-fits-all approach; finding the right practice for you is crucial. Whether it's his trademarked 'Geometric Breathing', which involves visualizing shapes as you breathe, or simply focusing on nose breathing over mouth breathing, Oliver offers practical techniques to incorporate into daily life.
The conversation also touches on the importance of patience and slowing down, as well as the value of mindfulness and self-care. Oliver highlights that working with trained professionals can help avoid potential pitfalls and ensure you're getting the most out of your practice. If you're curious about how breath work can aid in personal growth and improve mental health, this episode is a must-listen.
Oliver's practical advice and deep understanding of body-led psychotherapy provide a fresh perspective on self-exploration and transformation.