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Release  •  Regulate  •  Relax  •  Sleep

My approach to wellbeing was shaped by:

  • Lived experience of PTSD, chronic fatigue, and profound grief

  • Three brothers lost to lung cancer which created a grá (love) for breath

  • Two decades of professional wellbeing practice 

  • Nature-based philosophy of Manchán Magan and John Moriarty

  • Playing with breath and colour, mark making, and ink, without purpose

  • Working with U.S. Psychiatrists/breath researchers, Gerbarg & Brown

  • Extensive training with Dan Brulee, Tony Robbins personal breath coach

My 4 Simple Steps

(may vary according to specific group needs)

1. Release
Shed tension through effortless, enjoyable qigong-based movement with breath (nature-themed)

2. Regulate
Shift effortlessly from stress and overwhelm into feeling safe and coherent, using breath

3. Relax
Drop into deep rest with nature-themed Yoga Nidra. Dozing may be a side effect!

4. Reset

Lose track of time exploring colour and breath. This is a process of play, not about production.

Re-emerge grounded, rested, restored, with simple practical tools for sustainable wellbeing.

Why This Works

Research in cognitive science shows that true rest is where healing, creativity, and emotional processing happen.

 

This experience is:

  • Evidence-based and designed to reduce stress

  • Rooted in nervous system regulation and coherence

  • Inspired by nature and natural rhythms

  • Grounded in lived experience and ancient wisdom

  • Suitable for complete beginners

  • Gentle, effortless, deeply restorative and fun

  • An opportunity to play with colour – a vital tool for wellbeing and resilience

Stephen McHale, Derval Dunford, Sharon Shannon and Freda Hatton at the opening of Derval's breath-based Land and Language - Talamh agus Teanga exhibition, Town Hall Theatre, Westport, Co Mayo, July 2022
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