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I'm a filthy mortal... I know... Many people may find it weird, but I've always been connected to and aware of the fact that I'm a mere mortal and I can die any time now... And no, I'm not obsessed or morbid - at least not in my view. But I don't live in a bubble and I don't push the thought away. I have thought about my death many times, mostly in philosophical (understand nihilist) and also pragmatic ways (what happens after). So for instance, I wrote my first Will when I was probably around 10 years old. I remember it mostly concerned with who gets my teddy bears, haha. And down the line as a teen, evaluating the body disposal methods, I decided I must be cremated and my ashes spread in the ocean.... In the past few years, I've looked into things like whole-life insurance and considered my legacy in other ways... But anyhow... In the past few days, two social media posts poked me to consider yet another aspect of my mortality. One was about a 38-year-old woman who had been diagnosed with a rare, deadly cancer. Faced with something so immense and final, she didn’t spiral into endless treatments or denial. She decided to live fully, to embrace what time she had left, and not to spend her days trying not to die. Having a hospital-injury-needles phobia, I think this would have been my strategy too if I was told how much time I've got. The second was a quote from a guest on Stephen Bartlett’s podcast who said something along the lines of, "You matter now, but you likely won't matter in 1000 years.'' And again, the nihilist I am - I totally agree. I've always believed in enjoying your life, living with your own purpose, and living with integrity. But these two reminders stirred something new in me. They forced me to pause and ask myself: If I had one year left to live, what would I want to accomplish? What would I want to leave behind? And you know how when you go into the wilderness you see those signs that say ''Leave no trace.'', well, I want that. I want to leave no trace of my filthy mortal life with its shit ton of C02... as much as this is possible, of course. So, among all the emotional, professional, and personal answers that came rushing forward, one surprisingly practical one kept coming back: I want to leave the planet as if I was never here. I want to carbon-neutralise my existence. Carbon Footprint: The Ghost We Leave Behind It may sound a little odd, I know, for most people, when they think of legacy, they imagine children or books or money or buildings with their names on them. And yes, of course I want some of these legacy pieces - i.e. write a book. But I kept thinking about something more invisible—the carbon footprint I've created simply by existing, working, travelling, and living in the modern world. I travel a lot. I drive a petrol car - my lovely SUV - FRUT. I own things made of plastic. I order takeout, and even if I shop local, there's plastic packaging I can’t always avoid or reusee. I’m not perfect. I can't be. Nobody is. But this isn’t about guilt. It’s not about shame or pretending I live in a tent and wash in a stream. It’s about awareness. And with awareness comes responsibility—not the heavy, burdened kind, but the kind that says, I see this, and I choose to do something about it.  Becoming carbon neutral, or as close as I can realistically get, feels like a way to honour my place on this planet, and live with integrity. The Numbers That Brought It Home As I started researching what it would actually take to offset my carbon footprint, I found some sobering numbers. The average Westerner produces between 10 and 16 tonnes of CO₂ per year . That’s tonnes, not kilograms. And the average tree? It absorbs about 10 kilograms (or 22 pounds)  of carbon dioxide per year for the first 20 years of its life. A mature tree, depending on species and climate, can absorb up to 40 kg per year . So I started doing the math. If I assume I’m somewhere in the lower to middle range of that 10–16 tonnes (and I’ll explain why in a moment), I would need to plant a minimum of 500 trees  just to begin  offsetting my yearly emissions. And that’s not even counting past years or future growth. Just the present, and just one year. It was a humbling moment, but also an empowering one—because now I had a number. Something tangible. Something I could work toward. Why I Believe My Impact Is (Slightly) Lower Now, I don’t think I’m on the high end of the spectrum. I try to live a fairly minimalist life. I don’t buy a lot of things. I don’t upgrade my phone every year or get sucked into every trend. I hate  clothes shopping and can't say I've participated in the fast fashion culture. In fact, I’m actively transitioning my wardrobe to natural fabrics. And then there’s the big one: I won’t be having children. I don’t talk about this much, but it’s worth saying here—choosing not to have children is one of the most impactful eco-friendly decisions a person can make in terms of long-term emissions and resource use. It’s not why  I made that choice, but it is a powerful side effect. That said, I do travel a lot. And I probably always will. Travel fills my soul, teaches me perspective, and connects me to people and cultures in ways nothing else can. So I’m not pretending to be emissions-free. But I am doing what I can, where I can, to lessen the harm and increase the good. Yes, I’ll Pay. But I’ll Also Plant. I am sceptical and distrustful of all sorts of charities and charitable programs. I see most of them as scams that pay management handsomely, while recruiting volunteers and doing less than the bare minimum for their said cause, while maybe engaging in some money laundering too. Soooo, of course, I am sceptical about carbon offset programs too. Nonetheless, I can't physically dedicate the time, energy or finances to plant the 500+ trees that I should to offset my carbon footprint. So, I will  donate to tree planting initiatives that seem to have good reputations and transparent operations. I plan to make it a habit—a quiet, ongoing commitment to help restore some balance. Maybe it'll be buying/donating for more trees to be planted every year on my birthday. That said, I also want to get my hands dirty. I belive in being actively involved in doing the good work yourself. As a former workaholic and forever self-reliant person, I say - if you want something done (well) do it yourself. Planting trees myself is my only way to know with a 100% guarantee that I have done something to offset my carbon footprint. So, yes, I want to plant some of the trees myself. I want to dig into the earth, feel the roots, and know exactly where that tree is growing. Not as a performance, but as a grounding experience—a way to really feel  and see the contribution I’m making. There’s something deeply satisfying in that simplicity: you plant a tree, you leave it behind, and it grows and you can go visit it. What My Carbon-Neutral Plan Looks Like I’m not about to hop on planes just to chase planting projects around the world. That would defeat the purpose. But if I’m already going to Europe, more specifically back to Bulgaria where my roots are from, I’ll take the opportunity to connect with groups that organize tree planting efforts there and get involved. I'd also like to do this here in Aotearoa New Zealand, which I hope will become my forever home. I want to find ways to contribute locally, too. I want to know that some of the trees I helped bring to life are thriving right here, in the place that may hold my future. Additionally, one day, when I have my own house, I will plant the trees I want in my yard too. I already have a list - with mulberries (my favourite fruit) being at the top. I imagine this being a quiet rhythm in my life—a few trees bought and donated here, a few planted by hand there. Goodness Is Contagious—I’ve Seen It One of the other reasons this felt important to share is because I know that doing good things can be contagious. I’ve seen it happen with my own eyes. When someone shares something heartfelt they’ve done—not in a smug, saviour-y way, but just as a normal part of their life—other people start to think about what they could do, too. When you begin doing something good, people will stare at first, but soon they join you and become part of it. I’m not here to convert anyone. But I do believe in the ripple effect. If I go and plant trees, maybe a friend will want to join. Or maybe someone will just reflect on their own footprint and take a step that feels right for them. That’s enough. That’s powerful. Carbon Neutrality Is Just the Beginning This whole process has made me realise something else: becoming carbon neutral is just one thread in a much larger fabric of how I want to live. I’ve been slowly shifting my wardrobe away from plastic-based clothing. I hate shopping, so it’s a long journey, but I’m committed to wearing more natural fabrics—cotton, wool, linen. Things that breathe with me and don’t harm the planet long after I’m gone. And I’m also dreaming up a home—my own house one day. I’m working with my inner architect (and one day a real one) to design something that isn’t just pretty, but smart. A home that uses ancient wisdom about airflow and heat. A place that collects rainwater, filters it, uses solar energy, and invites the outside in. Not some off-grid fantasy, but a thoughtfully designed space that supports my health and honours the earth. These things matter to me. Not as a checklist of virtue, but as a way to live in better relationship with the world around me. Did You Know: Sequoias Might Be the Coolest Carbon Heroes of All Time So while I was nerding out on trees and carbon offsetting (as you do), I came across some jaw-dropping facts about one of my favourite trees on Earth — the giant sequoia. You know, those majestic redwoods that feel like ancient guardians of the forest? Turns out, they’re not just beautiful… they’re absolute carbon-sequestering powerhouses . Here are some amazing things I learned that made me fall in love with them even more: 🌲 Carbon Absorption Grows With Age Young sequoias  absorb carbon, but like moody teenagers, they’re just warming up. As they grow older, taller, and wider, their CO₂ capturing capacity skyrockets . The bigger they get, the more carbon they suck from the atmosphere — and they just don’t stop. 🌍 The General Sherman Tree Is a Climate Superhero This single, legendary giant has sequestered over 1,400 metric tons  of carbon dioxide in its lifetime. That’s enough to offset nearly three entire human lifetimes  of carbon emissions. From just one tree . Let that sink in. (Reminder, we are over 8 billion people on this planet) 🌲 A 100-Year-Old Sequoia Can Absorb Over 3 Tonnes of CO₂ per Year That’s per year . Not in its lifetime. And the older and bigger it gets, the more  it pulls from the atmosphere. These trees literally get better at saving the planet as they age. (Can humans do that, too?) 🌿 Why They’re So Effective They’re massive  — the largest trees on Earth by volume . They live forever  (okay, maybe not forever, but 2,500+ years is basically mythical). They store carbon in their huge, dense bodies  and in the ecosystems they support, making them one of the most powerful long-term carbon sinks we know of. 🧠 Key Takeaway Their superpower isn’t just their beauty or longevity — it’s their massive, quiet ability to clean the air for centuries at a time . So next time you hug a tree (you know you want to), make it a sequoia if you can. What Peace Feels Like (To Me) At the heart of it, this isn’t about being a hero. It’s about peace. The peace that comes from knowing I’m living in alignment with my values, even if the actions are small. Every tree, every shirt, every conversation about rainwater tanks and bamboo floors—it all adds up to a life I can be proud of. Not perfect. But real. If You’re Reading This… Maybe you’ve had a moment like mine—a social media post, a passing comment, a health scare that cracked you open and made you re-evaluate everything. If so, I want to say this: don’t ignore it. Let it be a beginning. Your version of legacy might be different from mine. Maybe it’s about art or animals or family or protest or healing. But whatever it is, find a way to start walking toward it. Even if it’s just one tree at a time. Dare to live with integrity.

I’ve always been fascinated by breath. From a young age, I remember watching runners pass by and wondering—are they breathing right for what they’re doing? I’d hear one person gasping, another breathing rhythmically, and it struck me that maybe not all breaths are created equal. Just like how we each move differently, I figured there must be more optimal ways to breathe depending on how we move. That curiosity stuck with me. Later when I've had to run myself, for school sports, or when I've gone to the gym and done yoga, I always felt like (and still do) I'm doing it wrong. That I'm not breathing in and out at the most optimal times or ways. In the past few years—especially since diving deeper into Wim Hof’s work—I’ve been thinking even more and more about the incredible power of breath. In either 2020 or 2021 I even read the book Breath  by James Nestor , and it completely changed the way I saw something as seemingly simple as breathing. It explained why mouth breathing can be harmful, how our airways have evolved (or devolved), and what that means for our health. Then, days ago, I stumbled on a quirky British game show called QI where one of the questions was about losing weight and how we 'expel fat' - the answer - through exhaling. It blew me away - pun totally intended. We actually exhale fat? Wait, what?! That was news to me—and fascinating enough to send me down a rabbit hole of research. I’d heard of breathwork being used for anxiety, pain relief, even childbirth. But for weight loss? That was new. So in this article, I want to share some of the incredible things I’ve discovered about breath—from how it can support weight loss, to how it can ease pain, reduce anxiety, and even help us feel and be more youthful and vibrant. Because breath isn't just life—it might just be the key  to living better. [Clip taken from QI Series 'Meals',] About Breathwork and Breathing Breathwork can be surprisingly powerful in so many areas. For example, controlled breathing techniques can help manage stress and anxiety by engaging the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation. Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing, box breathing, and alternate nostril breathing are often used in mindfulness and meditation practices. In terms of pain management, slow, deep breathing can help reduce the perception of pain and increase pain tolerance. It's often used in labor, as you mentioned, and in managing chronic pain conditions. For immune support and inflammation, methods like the Wim Hof technique combine specific breathing patterns with cold exposure and meditation, which some studies suggest can influence the immune system and reduce inflammation. Breathwork can also be used to enhance focus and cognitive function. Certain patterns of breathing can increase oxygen flow to the brain, helping with mental clarity and concentration. And yes, there's emerging research suggesting that breathing can play a role in metabolic processes, potentially aiding in weight management. While it’s not a standalone solution for weight loss, mindful breathing can support a healthier lifestyle by reducing stress, improving sleep, and enhancing overall well-being. It’s fascinating how something as simple as our breath can have such a wide-ranging impact on our physical and mental health. Mastering Your Breath If you want to master your breath, starting with foundational techniques is key. Practices like diaphragmatic breathing, also known as belly breathing, help you engage your diaphragm fully and improve oxygen exchange. This can be a solid starting point because it’s fundamental for many other breathing techniques. From there, you can explore different methods tailored to your needs. For example, if you’re looking to improve focus or manage stress, techniques like box breathing (inhaling, holding, exhaling, and holding each for an equal count) can be very effective. For sleep, slow, extended exhalations can help activate your relaxation response. Something as simple as inhaling for four counts and exhaling for six or eight counts can calm your nervous system before bed. For exercise, learning how to synchronize your breathing with movement can boost your endurance and efficiency. For example, runners often use rhythmic breathing patterns to maintain a steady flow of oxygen and prevent side stitches. If you want to dive deeper, exploring practices like pranayama in yoga can offer a wide range of breathing exercises tailored to different outcomes, from energizing your body to calming your mind. And if you’re curious about more modern approaches, there are numerous guided breathwork sessions and apps that can help you practice and refine your technique. The key is consistency and mindfulness—paying attention to how different techniques affect your body and mind. Once you build that awareness, you can tailor your breathwork to suit your needs in any situation. Apps To Help Your Journey There are several great apps that can guide you through different breathing techniques. For example, the Wim Hof Method app teaches his specific breathing exercises combined with cold exposure. Another popular one is Breathwork, which offers a variety of guided exercises for relaxation, focus, energy, and sleep. Apps like Calm and Headspace also include breathing exercises alongside their meditation content. They can be great for building a regular practice and exploring different techniques. If you’re looking for something comprehensive, Pranayama* apps focus specifically on breath control techniques from yoga, offering structured programs to develop your practice. Ultimately, no single app will make you a master overnight, but consistent use of these tools can help you build a strong foundation and deepen your understanding of how different techniques impact your body and mind. Wait! What's Pranayama?!? Pranayama is a set of breathing techniques originating from the yoga tradition. The word itself comes from Sanskrit, where "prana" means life force or vital energy, and "ayama" means control or extension. Essentially, pranayama involves controlling the breath to influence the flow of energy in the body. Different pranayama techniques can have various effects, such as calming the mind, energizing the body, improving focus, or balancing the nervous system. Some common pranayama practices include Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), which is known for balancing the left and right hemispheres of the brain and promoting relaxation. Another is Kapalabhati (skull shining breath), which involves short, powerful exhales and can be invigorating and cleansing. Incorporating pranayama into your routine can enhance your overall well-being by helping you regulate your breath and, in turn, influence your mental and physical state. Breathe in....for... 1. Breath for Anxiety Relief Breathing deeply and mindfully helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system—your body’s “rest and digest” mode—which calms the heart rate, reduces cortisol, and brings your mind into the present. Recommended method:   Box Breathing  (also called square breathing) — Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, and hold again for 4. Repeat for a few minutes. It’s used by Navy SEALs and works beautifully to ground you quickly.Other good techniques: Diaphragmatic breathing  and 4-7-8 breathing  for deeper relaxation before sleep or during anxious moments. 2. Breath for Pain Relief Pain often tenses the body and shortens the breath. By consciously lengthening your breathing, you can help reduce the intensity of pain and feel more in control. Recommended method:   Deep diaphragmatic breathing  — Breathe deeply into the belly, expanding it fully, then exhale slowly. This reduces tension in the body and enhances the release of endorphins (natural painkillers).Also useful: Hypnobirthing-style breathing  (long inhales, slow sighing exhales) and mindful breath awareness  during pain flares. 3. Breath for Weight Loss (Yes, Really!) We exhale fat as carbon dioxide when we lose weight. The majority of fat leaves the body via the lungs, not just sweat or waste. So efficient breathing supports metabolic processes and fat oxidation. Recommended method:   Wim Hof Method  or fire breathing (Kapalabhati)  — These activate your metabolism, improve oxygenation, and help burn calories. Bonus: Consistent slow nasal breathing  during low-intensity cardio improves fat burn and endurance. 4. Breath for Better Sleep Your breath can help calm the nervous system and prep your body for rest. Many people sleep poorly due to shallow breathing or overactive stress responses. Recommended method:   4-7-8 breathing  — Inhale for 4, hold for 7, exhale for 8. This slows the heart rate and promotes deep relaxation.Also try: Coherent breathing  (5-6 breaths per minute) to lull the body into a restful state. 5. Breath for Energy and Focus Feeling sluggish? Breath can wake you up and sharpen your mind better than coffee. Recommended method:   Bellows breath (Bhastrika)  — Powerful, quick inhales and exhales through the nose (about 1 per second) for 30-60 seconds.For a milder version: Breath of Fire  (used in Kundalini yoga) to energize the body and brain. 6. Breath for Detoxification Breathing deeply helps the body expel toxins and enhances circulation. Since the lungs are a major detox organ, breathwork helps flush out stale air and CO₂. Recommended method:   Full yogic breath  — Inhale into the belly, ribs, and chest; exhale completely. Do this slowly and mindfully for several minutes.Also effective: Wim Hof Method , which includes breath holds and powerful exhales. 7. Breath for Emotional Release and Trauma Processing Trauma is often stored in the body and shows up in shallow or held breath. Breathwork can unlock trapped emotions and support emotional release. Recommended method:   Conscious Connected Breathing (also called circular breath)  — A continuous, gentle inhale and exhale with no pause. Often used in breathwork therapy sessions to process stuck emotional energy.Note: This is best done with a trained facilitator if you’re new to it. 8. Breath for Longevity and Youthfulness Chronic stress and shallow breathing can age us faster. Optimizing your breath promotes cell regeneration, better oxygen delivery, and a more youthful glow. Recommended method:   Coherent breathing  and slow nasal breathing  — Practicing 5–6 breaths per minute daily has been linked to improved heart rate variability, longevity, and reduced inflammation.Mouth taping during sleep (with caution!) can also promote better nasal breathing and oxygenation overnight. 9. Breath for Athletic Performance Better breath equals better endurance, faster recovery, and more efficient energy use during workouts. Recommended method:   Nasal breathing during training  — It enhances nitric oxide production, keeps heart rate lower, and improves CO₂ tolerance.Also try: Buteyko breathing  — Focused on reducing overbreathing and building tolerance to carbon dioxide to improve athletic output. 10. Breath for Meditation and Mental Clarity Your breath is a built-in anchor to the present moment. When the mind races, breathing practices can help return you to stillness. Recommended method:   Mindful breath awareness  — Simply observe the breath without changing it. Use a mental cue like “in… out…” to maintain focus. Also effective: Alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana)  for balance and clarity.