Breathwork Trainings with Ann Harrison
 
Breathwork Trainings’  latest 8 day Breath Awareness retreat – Birth, Death and Rebirth – completed 13 April 2019.  It was the third of four Level 2 Breathwork Practitioner Training modules. It followed the modules of 2.1 Psychotherapy & Spirituality, 2.2 Bodymind Connection; and follows on from the foundational Level 1 personal growth course that completed November 2017.
 
The practice of Breath Awareness and the Breathwork Trainings that Ann has facilitated since 1990 have been always had their foundation in spiritual awareness and an integration of the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels of being. Breathwork is an exercise in mindfulness -  an intense meditation technique, that is a journey of self discovery and  connection with one’s true potential.
 
This 8 day module was unique in so far as the first four days were facilitated by Robyn Fernance, author of the renowned book Being Born; and the second four days were facilitated by Ann Harrison. Robyn interrupted her sabbatical to come and facilitate this workshop, and the participants received the benefits of her experience and authority in this field. She created a profoundly transformative space. Jennylee Taylor, a Breathwork practitioner trained by Robyn, participated and will make this part of the Breathwork Group Facilitator training that she is currently undertaking with Robyn. Other trained breathwork practitioners were also there as participants enjoying the experience of these pioneering trainers.  For one its “a balance between movement and stillness – a delightful journey of self awareness”.
 
There is a flavour of Eastern philosophy in Ann’s Breathwork training course – Tao: the Way of Change – paradigms, process, concepts and values. She is concerned with articulating principles that hold true throughout time,  and articulating how they may be applied to individuals in this time and culture. She says “… that way there is a steady reference point, and one is not jumping onto the latest bandwagon or following the latest technique of consciousness and transformation” One participant could see that the course was “beautifully balanced with clear intellectual explanations and varied theories that brought unexpected insights and personally right experiences”
 
The Spring Retreat 14-20 October will explore the chakra system as a guide to finding balance and authenticity. Kylea Taylor’s book The Ethics of Caring will be the primary text.
No doubt the experience of this breathwork retreat and training will be as one participant found this past retreat: “freeing both physically and intellectually”.

Many of you will know Robyn Fernance -  she was originally a member of Australian Institute of Rebirthing in 1986; joined Australian Association for Professional Rebirthers in 1999 and became its first membership officer, as well as taking on the Treasury of AAPR in 2001.

In 2000 the ABA was born and Robyn holds membership number 008-2000. For many of those years since has been in very loving and committed service to the Association on the committee. She spent many many years as Treasurer and Membership officer.Robyn has recently 'retired' from being on the ABA committee for a very welcome look at what life looks like beyond the ABA!!

She is still a beloved member, and is generously available to support the current committee whilst we continue to learn the ropes.
Robyn was not present at the Breathe Australia Conference for us to acknowledge her and give her a gift of our appreciation. So a week before Christmas, we presented the gift of a card "signed" by many of the members and a beautiful gift of a dwarf mandarin fruit tree that has been grafted onto flying dragon rootstock.

Robyn is a Breathwork Trainer and metaphysician so she got a get a kick out of that metaphysically.
“The Dragon is the symbol of primordial power. It is master of all elements: fire, water, air and earth.  As a spirit guide, it makes a powerful ally in our daily life with its amazing restorative and potent qualities.”
As her gift was presented to her the sky opened up and the tree was nurtured from the summer rain.  Robyn is a keen gardener and her suburban garden is full of food bearing trees and vegetables. 
The ABA loves Robyn and are looking forward to an non committee member relationship with her in coming years.