Today we’d like to introduce you to Evan Gary.
Hi Evan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a well intentioned but bit of a chaotic household. My father was a good man and tried his best but he suffered from depression and other issues. He had back injury from a career as a ship captain and became addicted to pain killers in my early teens and because of that, he would go through periods of withdrawal to rage. Unfortunately, when I was 23 he passed away from an OD.
I tended towards a low grade depression in my teens and 20’s that I tried to escape through chasing the American dream of success, sports and money. I used these as a way to escape the suppressed feelings of low self worth/esteem inside of me.
Fast forward to Covid times. Everyone is in isolation. Nationwide Depression and Anxiety rates are at all time highs. I fell into a major slump. I wasn’t happy with what I did for a living anymore. No amount of money earned would fill the hole I had. No amount of distracting myself with netflix or long alcohol fueled nights with friends was going to cut it anymore.
Anxiety would spiral through me most nights along with a general meaninglessness and no life direction.
I started researching and integrating all these different modalities to help “revive” me.
Plant Medicine, therapy, spiritual retreats and BREATHWORK
I found breathwork and it was an immediate way for me to RELEASE bits of stuck trauma and stress that was plaguing me. During the first session “Evan you don’t need to go so hard on yourself, it’s all going to be ok” kept replaying in my head.
I started going to different workshops and slowly started to feel better. I saw all kinds of different styles from teachers. Took notes on what I thought worked and didn’t work.
It took me 2 years of indecisiveness before I finally had the courage to say “OK, I can facilitate this. I can help people with this. I am going to do this!”
I did a certification program and here we are now!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I want to say I wish the road was smoother but at times, it was/is difficult.
Most people don’t exactly know what breathwork is and/or think it’s a slow breathing “yoga” style. Yes, That is one type of breathwork but not the style I facilitate. I created my own brand of breathwork that keeps you engaged. It’s practical and you will feel results during and after you are done!
Many people don’t think it can actually help them. “I breathe already, what do I need breathwork for” is a common one. Haha. So there’s a big educational piece to it when I am talking to people about it. Also, it’s quite difficult to put into words the amazing feelings that can result from it. It’s one of those “you have to experience it to know” things.
Some people think it’s woo woo. Some think it’s only for those that have had trauma happen to them. Neither are true. Breathwork gives you a boost of amazing feelings, can help with physical healing, cardiovascular endurance, stress release and so much more!
As we know, these days social media plays a big role in building a business. I was never a big fan of it and do think for some people, it can do more harm than good for mental health BUT as an avenue to get the word out about this beautiful modality, I started a platform for my brand to build awareness around what breathwork is and when my events are coming up. I do spend a substantial amount of time making content and hoping people resonate with it… Enter perfectionist tendencies. ;)….. I’m working on it!
it’s all worth it to me when participants come up to me after an event telling me how much they loved it and what they got from it!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
There are many breathwork facilitators here in San Diego. Most are great at what they do! I try to set myself apart by integrating powerful musical playlists and guidance to get someone into different emotional states so they can explore their inner landscape.
I like to think I bring a “NY Style” to my events. Think of it as an intense fitness class meets delicate inner child.
I try to set a safe and grounded space for people to fully surrender and let go.
I offer silent disco headphones to fully immerse someone into their own world. It’s a game changer. Most people don’t like emoting in front of others. With the headphones and eye masks, people feel more free to let something come up and out! Its quite powerful!
Another big piece that I love integrating into my events is the community aspect. I do a bonfire right after the breathwork for people to get to know each other and connect. I believe one of the main reasons we are on this earth is to connect and bond with others. Since the use of social media and doom scrolling has risen, so does loneliness among us. It’s at an all time high so anything that can be done to lessen that is great.
I am so proud of the events growing in size each time as the word spreads!
For my future events, I plan on doing zoom sessions for those that can’t make it in person. I also plan on integrating a cold plunge after the breathwork so stay tuned!
All in All, if you’re feeling a bit stressed, need some energy, want to connect with new people in a welcoming environment, feeling the urge to try something new… Try breathwork!
You can connect with me @breathewithevan on IG, FB and Tik Tok
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I grew up in Queens, NY so basketball was huge for me. I would always be outside at the parks playing with friends, playing for different leagues. I was a big fan of Friday night blockbuster movies with the fam. I loved playing video games and just being a kid without any real worries.
High school comes along, I watch Scarface and wanted to be like Tony Montana (Minus the white stuff) so I started selling candy and mixtapes in my school hallways. Fast forward to College and I start running night club promotions. Then start running sales territories for a home improvement company for the past 10 years.
Now I like to think I live a more chilled life since I moved to San Diego. I’m SLOWLY letting go of that “need to hustle” mentality. (its tough!) I love personal development, surfing, volleyball, connecting with friends and growing my breathwork brand. Even got a paint by numbers kit to intentionally slow my self down!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breathewithevan/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EdgeLifeNY/
- Youtube: @breathewithevan
- Other: Tik Tok- breathewithevan
Image Credits
Kevin Brame, Allison Ohare
