I recently learned something fascinating: some people are unable to visualize images in their minds. This condition, known as aphantasia, means they can’t summon mental pictures of a loved one’s face, a sunny beach, or even the house they grew up in. Instead of “seeing” these things in their mind’s eye, their thoughts might come as words, concepts, or abstract ideas.

At first, I found this hard to imagine (no pun intended). Visualization has always been a core part of my personal growth toolkit, especially when paired with breathwork. But this discovery made me reflect on how visualization works differently for everyone—and how it’s not just about seeing pictures in your mind.

I generally consider myself a science-based person. I value evidence, research, and measurable outcomes. But I’m also very aware that up until just 100 years ago, many practices we now accept as medical fact—like germ theory or the importance of handwashing—were considered radical or even laughable. History has taught us that just because something can’t yet be explained doesn’t mean it isn’t real.

What if your breath held the key to unlocking the deepest parts of your mind? For centuries, breathwork has been used as a tool for self-discovery, emotional release, and spiritual connection. Today, modern psychology is beginning to uncover why practices like Conscious Connected Breathwork (CCB) have such a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being.

It was one of those workdays. My inbox was overflowing, my to-do list wasn’t getting any shorter, and deadlines were looming. As I sat at my desk, hunched over my keyboard, I noticed something—I wasn’t breathing. Not really. My shoulders were tense, my chest tight, and I realised I’d been holding my breath.