Breathe for Peace: A Ceremony for Humanity in Honour of Nelson Mandela
- Julia Michaelides
- Aug 12
- 2 min read
In honour of Mandela Day in South Africa, I joined a moving Conscious Connected Breathwork Ceremony “Breathe for Peace”, a Ceremony for Humanity led by breathwork facilitators Lucie McGregor, Dr Leila Sadien & Talitha Kotze. In this sacred space, we came together not only to honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy of peace and unity, but to breathe collectively for healing and transformation.
What is Conscious Connected Breathwork?
Conscious Connected Breathwork (CCB) is a practice in which the inhale and exhale are seamlessly linked without any pause, creating a continuous and rhythmic breath flow. This form of breathing causes shifts in our physiology and allows us to explore altered states of consciousness. It cultivates deeper awareness of the self and our connection with self, others and nature. This technique, rooted in traditions like Rebirthing from the 1960s and '70s, has evolved into a powerful therapeutic modality combining breath with music, touch, visual guidance, affirmations and coaching.
Sessions typically last from 30 minutes to two hours, guided by experienced facilitators in a safe, trauma-informed space. Participants lie comfortably (often with an eye mask) breathing deeply through the mouth, using the diaphragm, and following a steady, uninterrupted rhythm. Facilitators guide the pace and support emotional or energetic shifts. You are guided with music and voice while encouraged to remain in embodied consent with how deeply you want to breathe. Common experiences include tingling sensations, muscle tension or release, vivid imagery or memories, emotional catharsis such as crying or laughter, and altered states of consciousness.
Benefits for Mental Health
CCB activates the autonomic nervous system, initially stimulating and then deeply calming it into parasympathetic dominance (“rest and digest”), reducing cortisol levels and soothing anxiety. As the body shifts into a calmer state, participants may experience improved mood, better sleep and a quieter mind. Regular practice can reduce baseline anxiety and offer relief from depression by bypassing mental defenses to access and release stored emotions and trauma deep within the body.
Physiologically, the continuous breath rhythm alters blood gas balance, enhancing circulation, energy levels and even immune response. Emotionally, it helps to clear trapped tension and emotional blocks, fostering clarity, self‑awareness and a stronger mind‑body connection. CCB enhances the mind-body connection by fostering greater awareness of physical sensations and emotional states, while also offering a pathway for spiritual exploration and deeper self-understanding.
Reflecting on the Ceremony
In the “Breathe for Peace” Ceremony, focusing our breath together felt deeply symbolic. Each inhale and exhale a shared intention toward healing, unity and peace, in honour of Mandela’s spirit. The space allowed emotional release and a profound reconnection with ourselves and with one another.
Whether you’ve recently attended or are curious about this practice, Conscious Connected Breathwork offers more than relaxation - it opens a pathway toward emotional freedom, mental resilience and compassionate presence.
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Breathwork Ceremony Facilitators:
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