We recently connected with Marissa Astill and have shared our conversation below.
Marissa, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
I believe it started when I was a kid! As the oldest of 5 I always had a lot of responsibility. This played a huge role as I grew, started working, and continued going through life. My parents also instilled a very strong mindset of independence and resilience. Allowing us to do things on our own and problem solve. Knowing that you have support while also accomplishing things on your own provides you with so much power! To accomplish anything you set your mind to.
This translated into every aspect of life in so many ways! Through relationships, work, and play! I’ve learned to charge forward regardless of what my inner critic or outer critics say. As you do it over and over again it is always a tough practice but you realize you can succeed much more than you fail. Charge forward!
It is a constant practice and one I don’t believe I’ll ever perfect but I believe that is what resilience is about. Every day choosing to do things that are maybe uncomfortable, scary, new, and unknown. Choosing over and over to lean into the unknown and go for it anyway.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
It has taken me years to get to where I’m at, and things are continuously progressing! I fully believe every experience has led me to what I’m doing now, and I’m so grateful. I started doing structural/wildland firefighting and EMS when I was 20. I felt I had found my calling and purpose. Finding a career where I could use my hands, think quickly, and help people at the same time felt so aligned! I worked for a department in Utah for four years. In the last year of working, I started to realize that all my experiences had built up, and I didn’t know how to process them. Mental health in the fire service is quickly improving, but there is so much progress still to be made. I felt I didn’t have the resources, knowledge, and tools to regulate my own nervous system. I was also seeing it happen to so many others around me over time. I was part of the Peer Support team, which provided resources and a group of people to reach out to at any time. I loved assisting in building the program and felt we were taking large leaps towards what everyone needed so desperately! But everything started to weigh heavy, and I didn’t feel I could provide the support I wanted to without doing the work myself. I made the difficult decision to step away from firefighting and pursue property management, working with my mom and her company. It felt like a HUGE lifestyle change, and it was. I’ve been working with her for about a year, along with doing so much self-care and nurturing myself through every challenge.
While firefighting, I attended my first breathwork journey. This opened up so many parts of me I didn’t know existed. It allowed me to embrace them with love and acceptance. I immediately knew that everyone in the world could benefit from this beautiful modality. I didn’t know how, but I knew it would be a large part of my life. For a while, I had the urge to facilitate Breathwork journeys, but self-doubt kept me from pursuing it. I finally had a Breathwork experience where my light, power, and voice were screaming to be heard! I knew there was no way to continue suppressing my voice, and it needed to be shared. I am so grateful to have known my friend Brandon Groux, who facilitates and teaches others how to step into that space. I immediately reached out to him and said, “IT IS TIME!” He greeted me with enthusiasm and confidence. Going through his course taught me so much about myself and what I can offer through facilitation. Every moment in my life feels like it has led to this path. Since finishing my course, there have been abundant opportunities and people who are craving to FEEL and EXPRESS!
“You can only heal what you allow yourself to feel.” — Feel to Heal by Giten Tonkov
I realized we all crave to feel and be held during moments of grief, joy, sadness, anxiety, and every other range of emotions! My purpose is to create a space where this is allowed, welcomed, and celebrated!
Every single person on earth needs this, so we need to SPREAD IT! It doesn’t just have to be during breathwork; every moment is an opportunity to connect with ourselves and others. Take every opportunity!
I am so grateful to have a space to do this weekly. Lark Studio is a beautiful community space with disco balls on the ceiling! It has literally everything you need: classes, food and nourishment, massage chairs, cold plunge, beautiful courtyard—everything you could possibly need for self-care and community! Brooke Lark is such a welcoming human who has created this for all to enjoy. I invite you to join us for any part of it!
https://calendly.com/mindfulsomatics/breathwork-journey-lark-studio
I teach Somatic Breathwork and lead a cold plunge journey every Thursday from 7 to 9 PM! Check out https://lark-studios.vercel.app for events, memberships, and everything else you need to know! Join the community in the most magical space!
I also offer in person and virtual 1:1 Breathwork Journeys. For those who would like a tailored session to your intention & any emotions you’d like to move through. Schedule an introduction call with me to find out if we’d be a good fit for working together!
https://calendly.com/mindfulsomatics/introduction-call
I am here to support you through this journey called life! To help you accept the full spectrum of emotions we experience. To learn how to honor and accept them as a part of you. A part of you that deserves love and acceptance.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
It is difficult to narrow down just to 3 things but these have been the most impactful in my journey!
1. Growth Mindset
Having the mindset of expansion and growth is a transformative approach to life and personal development. Every year, I choose a word to focus on that serves as my guiding principle, it gives me clarity and direction when I feel lost in my purpose. For 2024, my word is EXPAND—a powerful reminder to broaden my horizons in every aspect of my life. I’m committed to expanding my knowledge, cultivate deeper friendships, expand my capacity for love and gratitude. and expand my wealth—not just materially but in terms of experience, opportunities, and kindness—I open myself up to new possibilities that life has to offer. This intentional mindset has been incredibly impactful, as it encourages me to step outside of my comfort zones and embrace new challenges. It reminds me that growth is a journey without a finite endpoint, and every moment presents an opportunity to learn and flourish.
Cultivate a curious mindset. Take courses, attend workshops, and seek mentorship in areas you’re passionate about, whether it’s in physical training, wellness, career, etc. Be open to feedback and changes, and view learning as a lifelong journey!
2. Build your tribe
Creating a supportive community has been absolutely ESSENTIAL in my journey. Surrounding myself with people who uplift, inspire, and challenge has opened doors to new experiences and perspectives I never thought possible.
Doing activities like BASE jumping and skydiving has introduced me to a thrill-seeking community where we share not just the adrenaline rush but also a deep understanding of pushing our limits together. The relationships formed in those moments of shared fear and excitement are incredibly strong; they create a sense of trust that extends far beyond the jump.
Partner swing dancing has connected me with a vibrant and joyful community! I’ve met people who share a passion for movement and music, and these relationships are built on laughter, creativity, and a safe container. Danced has helped build my confidence, trust in others, and trust in myself.
These activities and many more have enriched my life so much! And formed a diverse network of friends who provide encouragement, inspiration, and a sense of belonging. Find your activities that help you build your tribe! Then hold on tight to those people and love them hard!
3. Effective Communication Skills
Another quality that has significantly impacted my journey is learning effective communication. I’m definitely still working on this… But learning to express my thoughts, feelings, and ideas clearly has helped connect with others on a deeper level. It enables me to build stronger relationships, and navigate conflicts with empathy. Good communication also plays a crucial role in networking and in building that supportive tribe of people. Learn how to be confident in your voice, boundaries, your needs, and ideas!
For those starting their journeys, remember that it’s vital to set intentions and goals for your growth. Surround yourself with mentors and communities that inspire and challenge you. Embrace the journey, celebrate your progress, and trust the process!
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is honestly every human on earth… The beautiful thing about Breathwork is that I am there to support, hold, and guide you. The rest is up to YOU and your BREATH. This makes it beneficial for literally anyone. The breath will provide you with clarity, insights, and exactly what you are ready to heal. As humans, we are all craving to be supported, held, and told that everything is going to be alright. Through Breathwork, we allow ourselves to release and express what is no longer serving us.
My ideal client is anyone looking to connect with themselves on a deeper level—anyone looking to learn how to accept themselves as they are, understanding that our emotions, memories, and stories make us who we are. Anyone who is open to exploration and transformation, willing to embark on a journey of self-discovery through their breath. Whether you’re dealing with stress, seeking emotional release, or simply wanting to strengthen your connection with your inner self, Breathwork serves as a powerful tool for personal growth. It’s for anyone ready to embrace vulnerability and acknowledge their authentic selves. Through this practice, we create a safe space to explore the depths of your being and uncover the layers that may have been hidden or suppressed. Together, we’ll navigate this journey with compassion and understanding, allowing you to emerge more in tune with your true essence and capable of living a more fulfilled life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/MarissaAstill
- Instagram: Marissa.astill
Image Credits
Brooke Lark
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
