The journey of creating The Breathing Space continues, and with every step, the vision becomes more tangible.
What began as an unused place with institutional vibes is slowly evolving into a sanctuary, shaped with care and intention. The latest chapter in this transformation has seen the walls come alive, as hand-painted botanical murals are carefully added by local artist Alice Davies, filling the space with a sense of calm and connection to nature.
We're very fortunate to have the wonderful Alice contribute to the seed stage of The Breathing space. Alice has had a flair for art for many decades, pursuing many different media including ceramics, acrylics and watercolour. She derives solace, steadiness and satisfaction from her moments of creativity, and while she doesn't do it for the end product, they are absolutely beautiful. Alice and Emily have been close for nearly four decades and this contribution is an excellent representation of how they continue to grow together over the years.
Each brushstroke brings something new: a stem reaching upward towards the light, leaves unfolding, delicate shapes echoing the wild beauty of the natural world.. These murals aren’t just decoration — they reflect the philosophy of The Breathing Space itself. Just as yoga invites us to reconnect with our breath, our organic and human nature, so these painted plants invite us to reconnect with the earth. The reminder here is that not only can we appreciate nature, we are nature. We share in the growth, the blossoming, the shedding, the wintering of the seasons. We need nourishment, we need space to grow, we need fertile soil, we need strong roots, we are connected in ways we can not immediately see.
The process has been as mindful as the practice that will eventually take place within these walls. Alice's blank canvas invites spontaneous creativity. Mixing colours on the palette, layering details onto the wall, pausing to adjust the curve of a leaf - it’s a process and ryhthm that mirrors meditation. There’s something grounding about taking time for these details, letting the studio evolve not through speed, but through patience and presence.
What was once a plain wall, is now a piece of art that whispers of calm, creativity, positive growth. Soon, mats will be rolled out on the beautiful wooden floor, the room will be warmed by breath and movement, and community will gather here to share in practice. But even now, with the murals drying and the final touches still to come, you can already feel it — this is becoming more than a studio.
The Breathing Space is growing into a home for wellness, reflection, and connection. These murals are just one part of that story, but they capture the essence of what we’re building: a place that invites you to pause, breathe, and feel deeply rooted in both yourself and the larger context around you.