07-11-2023
Healing pain and the neuroscience of breathwork – with Andrea Freemyer
How does someone with a PhD in neuroscience come to be completely enamored by the body?Meet Andrea Freemyer, PhD, a trauma-informed breathwork facilitator, embodiment coach, nervous system educator and nature connection guide. She also happens to be one of my mentors!Through her studies to become a PhD in Neuroscience, Andrea discovered that pain and trauma live in the body and that sustainable healing happens not at the level of the mind, but in the re-patterning of the nervous system and the depths of body connection. When the body heals, the mind follows.As she was beginning to awaken more deeply to what this means for every human, the very foundation of Andrea's own life was shaken. With a young son at home to care for, her husband died by suicide. In her intense suffering, Andrea had nowhere to turn but inward, and that's where she found the answer. It was through this process of facing her own pain that Andrea discovered just how disconnected she'd been from her own feelings. She realized she had forgotten how to love and connect. Through a courageous journey, Andrea learned to heal her complicated grief with the power of her own presence.This story sets the tone for the deeper dive Andrea brings about the science behind breathwork, and how we can leverage this powerful, built-in tool to come back home to ourselves, to learn to love, and to connect in ways we may currently feel too scared or vulnerable to accomplish. Listen in to hear:The science behind breathwork and how it supports your health through nervous system regulationThe power of presence in healing deep trauma and painWhy embodiment practices like breathwork are so desperately needed right now----This episode is part of Brilliance of Breathwork Month, an initiative bringing greater awareness to this transformative healing modality.----Meet Andrea Freemyer, PhDAndrea is a neuroscientist, trauma-informed breathwork facilitator, embodiment guide, and nervous system educator. Her focus is on helping humans strengthen the mind-body connection with a blend of nervous system education, embodiment exercises, breathwork, and nature-based therapies. Utilizing a combination of science, energy work, and spiritual practices- her approach promotes nervous system health, a sense of embodied safety, and a deeper connection to the presence holding us.She is passionate about inviting people home to their bodies, hearts, and full expression. She provides a safe space that nurtures deep self-discovery and remembrance of what it feels like to be fully alive.Instagram: @andreafreemyer.phdWebsite elementalwellnesssanctuary.comSupport the showJoin Jen's Awaken Your Brilliance Virtual Retreat happening on Friday, December 1Join Brilliant Breathwork before November 30 to become a Founding Member AND get a free ticket to the retreat ($197 value!) using code SPARKLE Other ways you can support: Share an episode and tag Jen on Instagram @untetheredjen Follow/subscribe to get updates of new episodesLeave a review! Connect with Jen JenLiss.com@untetheredjen Music created and produced by Matt Bollenbach