When Breathe meets Breathe
The last 12 months has seen Star embark on an incredible journey of recovery and self-discovery. Not only has Star launched her own website to sell her handmade jewellery, she has also made remarkable steps to healing herself from significant mental health crisis and addiction. At the start of 2023, having spent Christmas and the New Year in hospital, Star became a carer for her mum Jay, a relationship that had been estranged for over 20 years. When Jay died in April, too frail to recover from COVID 19, Star grieved not only the loss of her mum, but also the loss of all the potential that their reunion had promised. Jay had been a jeweller and silversmith, leaving all her equipment to Star and a door opened to a whole new world of possibilities.
The discovery of a creative talent which started as a way of healing from loss and trauma helped Star to regain self-worth and a new hope for the future. Breathe Jewellery was born.
Taking positive steps to improve her physical and mental health, Star adopted a holistic approach alongside the care and support of professionals and friends. Exercise and mediation became new daily routines inspired by the supportive communities of jewellery makers and the Aura app.
As healing herself included healing other elements hurt by the past, Star and her former partner began to spend time together hoping to create a friendship based on glimmers of possibility from their emotional reunion. Agreeing that both needed health of mind, body and soul they set a challenge to seek opportunities to reconnect. Sharing time together in nature and in meditation they explored new experiences and ways to nurture their mutual growth. A holistic retreat was part of this path to healing.
The Breathe yoga retreat, delivered by Amanda Riley and hosted by Jules Peters at a converted chapel (Waterfall Apartments), came up in their search. The coincidental shared name of Star's new venture and the retreat played the casting vote on their decision. The retreat offered movement, breath and meditation set in the beautiful village of Dyserth, just an hour away from Manchester.
Amanda provided excellent facilitation of the yoga sessions and there were a range of other activities, including a guided walk, sound bath and a drumming taster session. Jules was the perfect host for the weekend and the food prepared by Taste of Honey was delicious and nutritious. All in all it was a highly enjoyable and restorative experience which both Star and her partner would recommend wholeheartedly.
Written by TWH
