Tell us a bit about your background and your meditation journey.
I am half Japanese and Sri Lankan, having lived in Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Kenya and the UK throughout my life. I was brought up in a close knit family that upheld Buddhist philosophies and Eastern traditions and values. From a young age, I was drawn to such philosophies and wisdom as a way of life and mindfulness and meditation have been invaluable practices in my journey. I studied Economics at the LSE within which I was particularly interested in the teachings of Psychology and a Masters degree from SOAS. Following my career in the United Nations in Japan, I pursued my professional training in mindfulness, meditation and movement practices. I am a qualified Daoist Flow teacher from Triyoga, a mindfulness and meditation teacher with a particular interest in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), a qualified holistic therapist, Ayurvedic therapist and mentor.
What inspired you to open 7Breaths and when did you open the studio?
I opened the studio at the end of May 2023, less than a year ago. We are still in the early stages of our journey as a studio but I have had the privilege to meet so many wonderful people including our highly experienced teachers and studio assistants, our amazing community, collaborators and organisations.
For as long as I can remember, opening 7Breaths has been a personal lifelong project borne out of the idea to create a one of a kind, contemplative sanctuary in the heart of London for busy Londoners. Having had personal experiences of varying degrees of anxiety, my sincere hope is to help others by creating a safe space where together we learn to slow down, de-stress and deepen our understanding of ourselves and of others.
What is your mission with 7Breaths?
Our mission is to simplify meditative practises and provide evidence-based accessible tools and techniques in mindfulness, meditation and movement practices to help you breathe well, manage stress and calm your mind and body. This stems from our unwavering conviction that there is power in breathing and moving together in a group and as a community. Most importantly, our goal is to show you that meditative practises can be joyful and are for everyone.
How is your studio different to other studios?
I believe that our studio is a unique blend of a traditional yoga studio and a meditation centre. We have intentionally created a calm sanctuary nestled in a quiet, hidden oasis in central London. We offer 30 and 45 minute evidence-based meditative and movement-based teachings aimed at slowing down and cultivating present moment awareness. We focus on techniques to breathe well through guided meditations in the form of our signature class, mindfulness meditation, sound meditation, mantra meditation, yogic breathwork, yoga nidra, and meditative movement practices including qigong, restorative yoga, yin yoga, hatha yoga and slow somatic yoga.
We focused on creating a serene space using natural materials including paper lanterns, linen, tiles, wood, stone and muted colours in collaboration with Elizabeth Keenan Studio who worked meticulously to bring our vision to life to exacting standards. Furthermore, we champion female founded businesses and have collaborated together to curate a line of limited edition wellbeing products including soothing herbal Korean teas, incense holders, flower bowls and tea cups, soy aromatherapy candles, and handmade crystal bracelets. We also offer educational workshops and specialise in immersive candlelit and scent filled experiences for 1-1, private group sessions and corporate wellbeing and team building events.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of opening their own studio?
My main advice to those who aspire to open their own studio is to remember to keep things simple. Often, we may overthink and over plan which can lead to over complicating the process. Start even if you feel you are not ready because it is in the figuring out that matters. Have a clear idea and a solid finance structure and in my experience, having a mentor is an absolute must!
Do you have a quote or mantra that you live by?
My most favourite quote of all time is by Thich Nhat Hanh, a Zen Buddhist monk, peace activist, teacher and prolific writer and calligrapher.
“To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.’
Find out more about 7 Breaths and their schedule:
Instagram: @7breathsmeditation
Website: https://www.7breathsmeditation.com/
