Breathwork
TEACHER FEATURE: Tina Bruce
Tina Bruce is a retreat leader, author, intuitive mentor, rebirthing breathwork facilitator, yoga and meditation teacher.
Why do you teach yoga and meditation?
My first introduction to yoga was a cassette tape my mum gave me in 1987, Beginners Yoga Nidra, by Swami Aakhandananda Saraswati. I was an anxious eight year old and it helped me go to sleep. As an adult, I took my first yoga teacher training after burning out in a career as a cardiac technician in the medical industry.
Yoga taught me how to sit with pain. It saved me from the numbing addictions of overworking, perfectionism, people pleasing, alcohol and opioids. I’ve learned to love the shadows as much as the light and am always guided to teach and tell stories from this place.
What lights you up about sharing Breathwork with others?
When I contemplated studying Conscious Connected Breathwork I initially resisted and thought I already knew everything about the breath. Boy was I wrong!
Breathwork opened new pathways and gave me greater access to spirit, unconditional love, and Intuition. Sharing it has been a gift. After creating a Breathwork community in 2020, I saw how seekers were craving this level of healing and connection.
The experience of showing up within a group allows for a rare voice that often helps someone else’s growth. It's pretty incredible to witness someone transcend a fear or forgive themselves after only an hour of breathing. During these profound moments when we are vulnerable, we discover our unbelievable soul strength. Incorporating music and sound into the breath also lights me up and vocal and emotional expressions are encouraged!
Tell us about your journey to LYFE?
I started teaching yin yoga nine years ago in the building next door to YOGA LYFE at #106 (formerly known as Madam Heap). I still remember the day LYFE opened. My kids also practiced there when they were little, and there was something about the energy of the space that felt authentic and fun.
I cherish the Middle Park community and every time I go to class at LYFE it's like a friendly family reunion. I feel like I've come full circle to land back here, always a student and curious to keep learning, and excited to be sharing all I learn with everyone.
Share some fun facts about you?
Mama to two teenage girls (challenging), dog lover (soothing), surf searcher (exhilarating), nature napper (nourishing), book reader (nerd), reluctant writer (truth teller) and I guess I'm always watching for those moments that take my breath away.
I grew up in Brisbane with an avocado tree in my backyard and each day is not complete unless I've eaten one.
I have a fascination with going fast (not very namaste) and was interviewed to become an army pilot before losing my drivers license twice for speeding. Since then I've realised I'm much safer on foot and have become an inspired walker with a passion to hike around the world.
Tina loves teaching across multiple modalities, blending her decades of experience in yoga, meditation, rebirthing breathwork and spinal energetics. We sure hope you'll come join her on...
Tuesdays 7:30–8:30 PM Yin Yoga
Wednesdays 10:45–11:45 AM Breathwork (not available on livestream)
All our new classes are included in membership, which makes membership even more valuable... see pricing options here!