A Breathwork Story: From Holding It Together to Thriving

Isla Harper’s story is one of transformation — from feeling overwhelmed and disconnected to thriving through the power of breathwork. As a woman who once held everything together for others, Isla found herself on the brink of burnout. But through simple yet profound breathwork techniques, she learned to reconnect with herself, find peace in the chaos, and reclaim her sense of balance. 

If you’ve ever felt like you’re falling apart while trying to hold it all together, Isla’s journey offers hope and inspiration. Discover how breathwork can help you reclaim your calm, reduce stress, and transform your life — one breath at a time.

Isla Struggled to Balance It All While Losing Herself

Isla Harper was the kind of woman who everyone turned to for help.
She was the glue that held her family together, the calm in the chaos. With two young kids, a demanding job, and a house that always seemed to need something, Isla’s days were filled with to-do lists. Her life was a series of tasks and expectations, each one more urgent than the last. From the moment her eyes opened in the morning to the moment her head hit the pillow at night, she was on.

To the outside world, Isla was the epitome of strength. She was always there for her children, making their school lunches with a smile, driving them to playdates, helping them with homework, and listening to their endless chatter. Her husband, Tom, worked long hours, so Isla also managed their finances, planned vacations, and kept the house running smoothly.

But on the inside, Isla felt a growing sense of disconnection, like she was slowly fading into the background. Every day, she was juggling everything but was starting to feel like she was losing herself in the process.

The Weight of "Holding It All Together"

It wasn’t just the responsibilities that weighed on her, though. It was the constant expectation that she would always be okay. No one asked her if she was okay because they assumed she was. Isla had always been the one to show up for others, the one who smiled through the exhaustion, the one who made everything look easy.

But it wasn’t easy. And Isla had reached her breaking point.

One afternoon, after a long day of errands, work, and family commitments, Isla found herself in her car, parked in the driveway. She couldn’t bring herself to go inside. Her chest was tight, her mind was racing, and her body felt like it was on the verge of shutting down. She sat there, alone in the quiet of her car, fighting back tears.

That was when Isla realized something crucial: She had been holding everything together for everyone but hadn’t taken a moment to check in with herself. She didn’t even remember the last time she had just breathed deeply — really breathed.

A Moment of Clarity: How Breathwork Became Isla's Path to Inner Peace"

A few days later, Isla came across a post on social media about breathwork. The idea intrigued her — the concept of using something as simple as her breath to calm her nervous system and regain a sense of control. Isla had tried yoga and meditation before, but she had always struggled to quiet her mind. But this… this felt different. She decided to give it a try.

Her first session was simple: deep, slow inhales and exhales, guided by a voice that encouraged her to focus on her breath. At first, nothing seemed to change. Her mind was still racing, and she was tempted to stop.

But Isla kept going, allowing herself to sit with the discomfort, just breathing. Slowly, something shifted. Her breath began to slow, and so did her thoughts. For the first time in a long while, she felt a brief moment of peace.

That was the moment Isla realized she had found something powerful.

The Transformation:
One Breath at a Time

Over the next few weeks, Isla made breathwork a daily practice. She started with just five minutes each morning before she got out of bed. As she inhaled deeply, she reminded herself that it was okay to let go of the pressure, that it was okay to not have everything figured out.

The changes were subtle at first. She wasn’t immediately free of stress, and her life didn’t suddenly become perfect. But she began to notice something: her heart didn’t race as often, and she wasn’t as easily triggered by the demands of the day. The small moments of stillness — of simply breathing — became more and more restorative.

As the weeks went by, Isla began to take longer pauses throughout the day to breathe. Before meetings. After stressful conversations. When she was in the car. She would close her eyes, take a deep breath in, hold it for a moment, and exhale slowly. With each breath, she could feel the tension in her body release. It was as if she was slowly reconnecting with herself.

How Breathwork can become A New Rhythm of Life

Now, when Isla looks back, she marvels at how far she’s come. The woman who once felt like she was falling apart is now thriving.
She’s found a new rhythm in life — one that honors both her responsibilities and her needs.

She still has busy days, of course. Life isn’t suddenly all calm and serene. But Isla knows that she has the power to breathe through it all. She is no longer overwhelmed by everything she holds. She is present, she is grounded, and she is whole.

Breathwork didn’t just change Isla’s life — it gave her back herself.

Isla Today: Living in Harmony through the Breath

Take a Breath, Just Like Isla Harper

If Isla’s story resonates with you — if you’ve been holding it all together but feel like you’re about to fall apart — remember, you don’t have to do it alone. You don’t have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.

Sometimes, all it takes is a single deep breath to begin your journey back to yourself. Isla did it. And you can, too.

If you’ve been feeling disconnected, stuck, or overwhelmed, this is your sign to prioritize your well-being. My services fill up quickly, so I encourage you to book your session or join a program before spots run out.

🌿 Private sessions available in Varsity Lakes, just minutes from Robina and Burleigh Heads.
🌿 Online weekly breathwork for ongoing support—join from anywhere!
🌿 Instructor training for those ready to take their breathwork practice to the next level.
🌿 Spots are limited—don’t wait for burnout to take over. Let’s create space for you to breathe, heal, and thrive.

Click below to book your session or learn more about my offerings. Your healing starts today.
👉 Book Your Breathwork & Reiki Session | Join Online Sessions | Breathwork Instructor Training Info

With love and healing,
Emely “Mimmi” Ebbersten
Holistic Life & Wellness Coach | Breathwork Facilitator | Energy Healer

Why Some Clients Feel Worse After Breathwork (and How to Prevent It)

Breathwork is often described as calming, regulating, or even transformational. And for many people, it is. But for others, breathwork can feel uncomfortable, overwhelming, or even destabilising. When this happens, it’s not because the client or coach is “doing it wrong” — it’s usually because the breathwork wasn’t matched to their nervous system, history, or capacity in that moment.

Understanding why some clients feel worse after breathwork is essential for anyone who wants to integrate breathwork into their professional work safely and ethically.

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Timeless Accountability Coaching is a structured, weekly support system that helps you take action, stay consistent, and actually complete the things that matter.

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You don’t get “told what to do.”
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Upcoming Workshops & Courses

Hawaiian Breathwork
and Connection

Sunday 18th March - 8-10am

Join us at Fitlife Bootcamp in Varsity Lakes for our monthly morning Hawaiian breathwork and connection, giving ourselves an energy boost in time for the new week.

Hawaiian Breathwork is hearth-based, where we focus our intention on our breath and healing into our heart space with love.

The session will include connection with self and others on a deeper level, and then we go deeper into the meditative state through guided breathwork,

and finishing up with a grounded tea ceremony.

Scandinavian Breathwork and Healing Meditation

Thursday 28th March - 6.30-8.30PM

Join Andrew & Mimmi in Currumbin Gecko Hall, for an evening of breathwork, healing and meditation. When you participate in these events, you are reconnecting to your breath, resetting your body, mind & emotions and allowing a space to return to balance within.

This event will be perfect if you wish to:

  • Experience a deeply relaxing and healing evening;
  • Release any tension in your mind and body;
  • Be nurtured in a space of healing, acceptance and spiritual awakening.

 

Rainforest Walk for Mental Health

Sunday 31st March - 8-11am

Join us on a meaningful journey through nature as we hike for a cause close to our hearts – raising awareness for individuals battling mental health. We are hiking the 4km circuit down Purling Brook Falls in our wonderful Springbrook National Park.

Free event! – RSVP essential

  • Bring: comfortable shoes, water bottle, sunscreen, picnic lunch, something to sit on. 

  • The circuit is 4km and takes approximately 2 hours to walk, it is suitable for most ages and fitness levels.

 

Online Breathwork

Join us for weekly breathwork online, from anywhere in the world

Experience transformation from the comfort of your own home through Conscious Circular Breathing. Join our weekly community circle, only $5/session.

Reset & Renew: Weekly online Breathwork

✨Find inner peace and clarity through guided circular breathwork

✨Master the art of deep conscious breathing for relaxation and self-discovery

✨Learn to release stress and tension for a more balanced life

✨Discover the power of breathwork to enhance your overall well-being

This conscious, circular breathing style of Breathwork originates in Hawaii. In this style of breathwork, you are always in full control of your own breath, and can take it as deep as you desire. I always focus on feeling into your heart space. Breathing together like this under a longer period of time, releases blockages, lessen stress and anxiety and bring you to a state of bliss, joy and stillness. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions prior to booking.

The Ultimate 28 day Tech Detox Challenge

Ready to Break Free from Tech Overload and doom scrolling?

Are you feeling overwhelmed by constant digital distractions? Do you find yourself mindlessly scrolling, checking your phone, or feeling drained by endless screen time? 

I invite you to join my 28-Day Ultimate Tech Detox Challenge, starting on 6th January. Over the course of this transformative program, you’ll gain powerful tools and techniques to reduce tech dependency, improve focus, and build healthier digital habits. By the end of the challenge, you’ll feel more balanced, present, and empowered—free from the constant pull of your devices.

What you can expect from both the 28-Day Tech Detox Challenge and the Free Mini Course:

  • Practical tips for reducing screen time and creating balance in your day
  • Tools to help you build healthier digital habits
  • Clear steps to set boundaries with technology and reclaim your time
  • A supportive community and expert guidance every step of the way

If you’re ready to regain control of your time and transform your relationship with technology, start with the FREE 3-Day Mini Course or jump straight into the 28-Day Ultimate Tech Detox Challenge.