She traveled from Kodiak Island, Alaska, to attend Joyful Journey to Optimal Breathing, a Buteyko Wellness Retreat led by Sasha Yakovleva at a hot springs resort in Colorado.
Throughout the retreat, she practiced Buteyko breathing in the naturally healing hot springs, learned gentle breathing techniques to address years of asthma and congestion, and experienced the effects of reduced breathing at high altitude. The immersive environment allowed her to feel changes in her breath and body in a way she had never experienced before.
Although she had explored many breathing methods on her own, the personalized guidance at the retreat brought a deeper level of clarity. With Sasha’s support, she learned how to soften her breath, relax chronic chest tension, and access a sense of calm that had been missing for years.
Sge realized that correct breathing can finally create the space, ease, and steadiness she had been searching for.
She is now integrating these Buteyko principles into her life back in Alaska—during walks, throughout her daily rhythm, and most importantly, in her breathing. Inspired by the experience, she is already planning to return next year.
