Break The Ice: Breathwork, Psychedelics and The Fitness State of Mind

Disclaimer: This article explores the topic of psychedelics for educational purposes only. It does not endorse or encourage the use of illegal substances. Always prioritize safety, legality, and consult a healthcare professional before making any decisions related to substance use.


The mind-body connection is undeniable - not just spiritual, but deeply physical, intertwined in how we breathe, move, and live.

When you’re talking about breathwork and psychedelics, you're essentially talking about two vastly different paths to the same destination: altered states of consciousness that can lead to profound personal breakthroughs.

My first and only psychedelic experience happened on a cold winter afternoon in December, the day before New Year’s Eve. I was visiting family in New York. After a day out and about, grabbing lunch, and exploring, I made a decision: I was going to try mushrooms for the first time. I ate them, walked around a nearby lake, and soon found myself laughing uncontrollably while fighting off a wave of nausea.

I sat by the lake, which was half frozen ice, half water. The dark sky was a beautiful mix of orange and navy blue, typical of a late afternoon in the winter. The tall trees surrounding the lake felt like they were dancing with me, and the entire experience had the surreal feeling of being in a ritual or a ceremony. In that moment, I felt deeply connected, as though I was linking arms with the Earth. I was no longer an observer, but a part of something much larger.

A group of six swans swam toward me, their synchronized movements a graceful dance on the water. One swan swam so close it got stuck on a piece of ice. It began to kick it, over and over, until the ice finally broke. Then, the swan rejoined the rest of the swans and swam away with them. It was a beautiful thing to witness, and to this day, I think about it often.

That moment, those swans breaking through the ice, symbolized something profound for me... a reminder that even the most frozen, seemingly immovable barriers can be broken. And once we do, we move forward, with the flow of life, with the rhythm of nature, toward new beginnings.

That mushroom trip wasn't just an out-of-body experience; it was a release, a shift, a turning point - a moment of breaking free from what felt stuck. There was a lesson in it, one about embracing change and growth. Just like the ice breaking under the swan’s persistent efforts, there’s nothing to fear on the other side of a breakthrough. No phase in life, no chapter, and no season is permanent, while growth and movement are always on the horizon.

While my psychedelic experience was intense and profound, I know that it’s not the only way to tap into altered states of consciousness. I’ve also practiced breathwork, and let me tell you, it’s a completely natural way to access the same kinds of breakthroughs. The difference is, it’s a practice rooted in breath and intention, rather than substances.

Breathwork involves controlled, deep, and rapid breathing patterns - methods that can trigger the same kind of altered state that psychedelics do. It’s all about bypassing the body’s typical rhythms to access something deeper. In many ways, breathwork feels like a way to force the mind and body to synchronize, leading to clarity, peace, and even profound emotional release.

I’ve used breathwork to face internal obstacles and to experience moments of deep clarity. In those moments, it feels just like my psychedelic experiences, a break from the ordinary, a connection to something greater, and a reminder that life moves in phases, that growth is constant, and that there is always something more to uncover.

Have you ever felt the power of your own breath? That moment when you realize your body holds the key to unlocking new states of being?

Fitness and daily habits play a crucial role in this process - their impact cannot be overstated. Physical exercise, movement, and a healthy routine prepare the body and mind for deeper exploration too, whether you’re using breathwork or psychedelics. A strong body supports a strong mind, and it goes without saying.

Fitness isn’t just about lifting weights or running miles; it’s about building a foundation strong enough to withstand mental, physical or spiritual challenges. When your body feels good, your mind can expand. It becomes easier to push through mental and emotional barriers.

Fitness has been my anchor - my daily ritual, my reset. On days where I was stuck, fitness was the ice and I was the swan, kicking until something gave way. This commitment to both physical and mental well-being primes you for breakthroughs, whether through breathwork, psychedelics, or fitness. Without a solid foundation, it’s like swimming in cold, choppy waters without being able to control your breath. You’re not prepared to dive deep.

Ultimately, both breathwork and psychedelics have their place. They’re different methods, but they lead to similar places: self-discovery and a deeper connection to the world. Whether you achieve these results through a natural breath or a psychedelic substance, it’s about learning to break through your own barriers, to see beyond what feels frozen or permanent.

Breaking the ice is just the beginning. What lies beyond isn't just movement - it's transformation, flow, and life itself.