The Beauty of the Natural Breath with Chris Fernie & Melissa Forester

In this workshop, we will cultivate a relationship with the breath, transform your daily experience, and open your body to new, graceful possibilities of your natural breath.

You will learn simple, reliable tools that can be used throughout the day. Transform anxiety into wellbeing, tiredness into vitality, and busyness into stillness and clarity.

We will reveal the natural state of breathing, rather than manipulating the breath function, by embracing a healthy balance of oxygen and carbon to support a sense of grounding and ease.

Exercises will be soothing, revealing, and performed in a lying-down or sitting position.

Event tickets: $40

About the Facilitators:

Chris Fernie is the founder of the Institute for Internal Transformation, a school of Qigong and Internal Alchemy based in Northern California. Chris began teaching full time more than 30 years ago after intensive study with three renown Qigong masters from whom he received a teaching invitation. He went on to synthesize these three systems with various somatic modalities to create a unique and potent approach to Qigong. Chris teaches throughout the USA, Canada, Mexico and Europe and continues to be an avid student of the internal arts, drawing inspiration from modern and ancient schools of thought.

Melissa Forester is the COO and Head of Educational Programs at the Institute for Internal Transformation, where she has practiced Qigong, meditation, and somatic movement for over 20 years. She is a certified MBS Practitioner, Gyrotonic Instructor, and Aquatic Integration Practitioner. Based in Encinitas, CA, Melissa also teaches one-on-one sessions and group practices in Qigong, meditation, movement, and breathwork.

Her journey with IIT began in 2005, and in 2008 she received teaching permission. For Melissa, this work is more than a profession—it’s a way of life. The teachings of IIT continually renew her sense of purpose, deepen her understanding of the mind, and connect her more fully with the world around her. Passionate about service, Melissa is dedicated to giving back to her community and creating affordable, accessible resources for all who seek this work.

About the Soul of Yoga:

The Soul of Yoga is a heart‑opening, consciousness‑expanding space rooted in ancient yogic wisdom yet enlivened by modern insights, dedicated to personal and collective transformation. It honors authenticity and lineage while welcoming all paths—offering deep support as practitioners set powerful intentions, cultivate purpose, and become vessels of healing and service. Whether through classes, training, or community, it’s a vibrant, inclusive tribe, guiding each soul to discover their truth, elevate wellness, and live with greater love, clarity, and impact.

Also located in Encinitas CA, the is one of the world’s most respected yoga schools and a sanctuary for personal growth. Think Hogwarts meets Harvard. It’s an education both magical and rigorous. Our yoga teacher programs go beyond poses helping you release old patterns, deepen your practice, and teach from lived experience with confidence. We offer flexible hybrid options (in-person, live online, or recorded) for our 200, 300, and 500 hour teacher training, as well as our Yoga Therapy and Masters programs. Join a global community of like hearted wisdom keepers and experience training that blends ancient philosophy, spirituality, anatomy, and modern science. More than a school, this is a sanctuary for transformation, a place to find your voice and a community that walks beside you.

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