Chapter 1: A Transformational Weekend

Envision a weekend where you effortlessly forge new friendships, acquire valuable skills, and immerse yourself in your passion for water. Combine this with breathwork and yoga while spending time outdoors, and you have the essence of DEWE. This experience ignited fresh aspirations within me, revealing possibilities I had never considered before. It felt like a culmination of the skills I had been developing for self-management of pain, showing me their potential when I was at my healthiest.

My journey with breathwork and yoga began years ago. After persistently seeking solutions for my health issues—problems that had plagued me since at least second grade—I was advised by a conventional doctor to try yoga as a pain management strategy. Initially frustrated by the simplicity of this suggestion, I soon discovered that it set me on a path toward achieving optimal health. That was over five years ago. I returned home, joined a local yoga studio, and committed to attending classes daily—except for the 5:30 a.m. sessions, as getting adequate sleep is also crucial to my wellbeing.

Through a coworker at an organic farm, I encountered kundalini yoga, which integrates breathwork with movement in a unique way. A skilled instructor will often remind participants about diaphragmatic breathing, enhancing the overall experience. I particularly enjoyed Bambi's kundalini classes, which introduced me to Reiki and a 40-hour certification program focused on breathwork for advanced yoga practitioners.

Earlier in my modeling career, I dabbled in underwater modeling, which involved full immersion. The first time I attempted breath retention underwater was challenging—imagine expelling nearly all the air from your lungs before submerging your face without a mask, allowing water to enter your sinuses. It was uncomfortable, and after that initial experience in 2018, I realized that underwater modeling wasn’t for me; I preferred solid ground.

However, that breathwork class, along with my renewed interest in underwater modeling, has led me to embrace immersion more than ever—I find myself craving it. I often humorously describe underwater modeling as the act of peacefully allowing oneself to drown while maintaining a calm demeanor. After surfacing, I gasp for air and exhale any water that may have entered my nose before returning to a normal breathing pattern. It’s a challenge, but I relish it. I might never have explored this passion had it not been for the insights gained from my breathwork classes.

Dietary changes became a significant focus for me in 2020. I had previously experimented with the FODMAP diet with little success, but I felt compelled to explore various dietary restrictions and food sensitivities. My journey began with a paleo diet after consulting a holistic nutritionist in a chiropractic office. While I saw some improvement, I struggled to maintain it. Over the years, I tried numerous approaches to heal my gut and improve my eating habits, and in 2024, I transitioned to a primarily vegan, whole foods-based diet, yielding the best results yet.

The shift away from meat was gradual; I started by reducing portion sizes, then eventually moved to only occasional bites. I still enjoy dishes like baked beans with bacon and sausage gravy, but I now consciously avoid meat as a primary source of nourishment. This change has proven to be the missing piece of my dietary puzzle, as meat was challenging for me to digest.

Fasting revealed to me that food was a significant issue. During periods of fasting, all my stomach problems disappeared, albeit replaced by lethargy. It was enlightening to experience days without stomach pain, allowing me to pinpoint the real culprits—certain foods. An unexpected discovery occurred when I ignored a stomach ache and ate blueberries; to my astonishment, the discomfort vanished. This prompted further experimentation, leading me to realize that the more whole and unprocessed fruits and vegetables I consumed, the better I felt. Armed with this newfound knowledge, I eagerly embraced my path to optimal health.

While I still indulge occasionally and deal with mild discomfort, I’ve learned to manage it with remedies like food or herbal teas. Michael Pollan's advice resonates with me: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." It’s astonishing how much trial and error was necessary to uncover this truth, but here I am. I also have specific intolerances within the plant kingdom, particularly to apples and nuts, which previously manifested as stomach aches. Recently, I've recognized subtler signs, such as headaches and brain fog after consuming these foods, leading me to question how I lived for so long without understanding my body better.

Now, let’s discuss the exercise aspect. I’ve never been fond of traditional exercise, but I do enjoy yoga. Lately, though, I find it increasingly challenging to attend classes. However, I’ve discovered that if I can incorporate exercise into enjoyable activities, I’m more likely to participate. For instance, I used to dislike swimming during mandatory high school classes, but I’ve realized that swimming for exploration—like freediving—makes it much more appealing. I’ve managed to weave exercise into my life without the pressure of traditional workouts.

Pets play an essential role in my life. My dogs are a source of comfort, especially during stressful moments, like navigating a busy city. My first dog came into my life unexpectedly, and it turned out to be a wonderful misunderstanding. I later got her a companion to stave off loneliness.

So, there you have it—my current secrets to a healthy lifestyle: focus on a plant-based diet (without processed vegan foods), enjoy the company of dogs, engage in freediving (which combines swimming, breathwork, and yoga), avoid alcohol and drugs (aside from occasional microdosing on tough days), and let go of minor stresses. I may feel like I have it all figured out at this moment, but I’m also aware that life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges my way. Here’s to living well until the next curveball comes!

Chapter 2: Embracing Lifelong Learning and Adaptation

As I reflect on my journey, I recognize that wellness is an evolving process. Each step, from dietary adjustments to embracing new activities like freediving and yoga, has contributed to my growth. The lessons I’ve learned about food, exercise, and mindfulness continue to shape my approach to health.

Through trial and error, I’ve found what truly nurtures my body and spirit. I believe that maintaining optimal health is not just about strict diets or intense workouts but rather about finding balance, joy, and community in the process. With each passing day, I remain committed to exploring new avenues for wellness and sharing my experiences with others.

Ultimately, I hope my story inspires others to embark on their own journeys toward better health, reminding them that every small change can lead to significant transformations over time.