Photo Courtesy: Bryant Wood photo archive
Photo Courtesy: Bryant Wood Photo Archive

From Pain to Peace: How Breathwork Transforms Lives Bryant Wood’s Journey

By: Svetlana Khachiyan

In a world where physical health often takes center stage, we sometimes overlook the importance of mental and emotional well-being. In our interview with Bryant, a man whose life has been intertwined with the health industry since infancy, we delve into his journey of struggle and self-discovery. He shares his profound reflections on how the significance of inner peace was revealed to him only after years of external success and physical development. His journey from fitness to meditation and breathwork inspires us to reassess our priorities and seek a balance between body and soul.

Bryant Wood, known for his appearances on “America’s Next Top Model” and Netflix’s “The Circle,” has transformed his life from the fitness industry to a journey of profound self-discovery. Raised in health clubs owned by his father, Bryant initially focused on physical fitness but soon realized the critical importance of mental and emotional health. His struggles with bulimia and steroid abuse led him to meditation, breathwork, and tantra, which now form the core of his mission to help others achieve inner peace and self-mastery.

How did spiritual health and breathwork come into your life?

Spiritual health and breathwork have become central to my life because they form the foundation of all well-being. Many people, unfortunately, endure hardships during childhood, which often manifest in the body and mind as chronic pain, depression, addiction, and other challenges. Life isn’t meant to be silently endured. At some point, whether through a sudden realization or a deep inner knowing, we begin to understand that life doesn’t have to be about suffering—we can cultivate safety, peace, and happiness. Overcoming hardship requires proper guidance, effective techniques, and patience. While spiritual health and breathwork are ancient practices, science now confirms their ability to rewire the brain and heal the adverse effects of fear and trauma. The work that is important to me is to help as many people as possible end their suffering, a mission born out of my own healing journey, and the transformation I’ve witnessed in countless students around the world.

We live in a time now when health and meditation study takes so many new forms every day. How do you balance integration with staying true to your vision?

I balance integration with my vision by dedicating time each day to meditate, exercise, and connect with my wife and animals. These daily practices “fill my cup,” allowing inspiration, creativity, and effortlessness to flow into my work. When your work is meaningful and contributes positively to the world, it naturally sustains your passion and fulfillment. By prioritizing life and health, your work becomes an extension of those values.

What is the important goal to hold in mind when having a business that’s so based in personal growth?

In the healing community, there’s a saying: “The healer is not doing the healing; the person is healing themselves.” Humility is key in this line of work. When you help someone achieve a breakthrough, it’s essential to give credit to life or the individual themselves because healing is about rediscovering what is already known within us. When mistakes happen, taking full responsibility allows for quicker learning and growth. The healing that occurs are life’s and the problems are my own.

From Pain to Peace- How Breathwork Transforms Lives Bryant Wood’s Journeys
Photo Courtesy: Bryant Wood

What is the preparation process before meetings or classes for you? How do you prepare to run a business and help people heal at the same time?

Currently, my work involves healing with groups and clients, which will evolve into more experiential paths in the future. The essence of being a good teacher or healer is that the information you share is only effective if you live it in your own life. Balancing business and healing requires constant presence and adaptability. For example, the creativity and focus needed for business can be cultivated through meditation, while non-judgment and non-expectation, essential for healing, are developed by creating sacred spaces and fostering the healing of the individuals you work with. Both aspects require a lifestyle rooted in pristine energy.

What would you say to people that don’t believe in self-guided healing modalities? Have you encountered a changing of minds?

The ability to change one’s mind is directly linked to the ability to change oneself. In 2024, numerous studies have proven the effectiveness of self-guided meditation. My focus is more on helping people believe in their capacity to heal rather than convincing them of the value of my work. Healing begins with individual will and sincerity; the time it takes depends on how committed they are to the process and how well they apply the techniques. Unfortunately, the medical industry often directs us to treat symptoms rather than address the underlying fear in the mind that causes pain in the body. It’s important for individuals to have clarity about whether they need medical intervention or other modalities, as healing isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Science now supports what ancient wisdom has long known: these practices can be profoundly beneficial.

Published by: Nelly Chavez

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