Volume 1 · Out now
Understanding breathwork and the science of how and why we breathe — by Christopher Gladwell and James Earls, with a foreword by Vybarr Cregan-Reid.
A short introduction to the book from the authors.
Have you ever wondered why we breathe the way we do?
Every creature on Earth relies on respiration to survive — and every species has evolved its own unique strategy for breathing. Understanding why humans breathe as we do opens the door to more intelligent, effective and personalised breathwork practices that can transform your life.
Written for those who want more than just the popular protocols, the bare textbook facts or surface-level techniques, this is for everyone ready to explore the extraordinary story and journey of the breath: through space and time, through the body, and deeper into yourself.
Tracing the evolution of respiration through time into the human body, this beautifully illustrated guide reveals the hidden intelligence of breath and its power to transform your life. With QR codes linking to practical exercises, it's an essential resource for anyone who wants to understand their body, reconnect with nature, and breathe with awareness.
A guide for the curious practitioner — whether you're refining your own breath practice, or supporting others on their journey.
With rich illustrations, clear explanations and guided practices woven throughout, the book offers both knowledge and experience — essential for anyone who wants to practice breathwork in a more intelligent, compassionate and person-centred way.
Evolutionary science, neurobiology and functional anatomy let us look at breathing through respiratory mechanics, psychology and physiology — each of which influences the other.
For teachers, sports professionals and all who want to discover the deeper story of breath: stay healthy, manage stress in a complex world, and begin the journey of optimising your neurobiology.
"The Evolving Breath connects the seemingly simple act of breathing to the most profound evolutionary, physiological and ecological phenomena. In a world increasingly captivated by quick fixes and oversimplified health trends, it does not shy away from complexity but rather celebrates it, weaving rigour with the wisdom of ancient traditions. This book does not merely instruct; it invites."
"An ambitious, fascinating, and comprehensively holistic text."
"A must read for every Pilates or movement teacher."
"This book offers not just a guide to better breathing but a manifesto for reconnecting with our heritage and, by extension, with the natural world."
"Whether you are a novice curious about breathwork or a seasoned practitioner seeking deeper understanding, this book will enrich your perspective."
"Let this book inspire you to breathe with intention, to learn with curiosity, and to connect with the universal systems that support life."
"This book's interdisciplinary approach is the model for how such big and complex subjects ought to be tackled."
Lecturer and bodyworker — Myofascial Release and Structural Integration
Increasing the understanding and practice of manual therapy has been a passion of James' since he first started practicing bodywork over 30 years ago. He now concentrates on finding new approaches to understanding how to apply movement and myofascial principles to bodywork.
James teaches a range of his own courses and is a regular lecturer at conferences and workshops around the globe. His blend of movement and fascial understanding led to the publication of the well-received "Born to Walk", an introduction to the interconnected mechanics of the body, and the more recent 'Understanding the Human Foot' and 'Functional Anatomy of Movement'.
Contemporary Yoga-Dharma practitioner, and teacher of teachers
Christopher is a seasoned breathwork, yoga and meditation practitioner with over 50 years of direct personal experience of the practices he teaches. He synergises breathwork, meditation, embodied movement, mind mastery, depth yoga and neuro and evolutionary biology to help you achieve optimal well-being.
With a background in biological science, martial arts and athletics, his journey into breath training began as a teenager in the military, expanding into deep yoga, meditation, Vedic pranayama, Conscious Connected breathing and indigenous traditions. He has been initiated into Vedic, Tibetan and Shamanic traditions and received authority to teach.
Christopher has worked with athletes, people with disabilities, those struggling with mental health, single mothers and young people, trauma survivors, educational settings and corporate teams. He has authored fifteen books on contemporary yogic practice, yogic psychology, mind skills, and breathwork.
Where Volume One explores the why and invites a return to functional breathing, Volume Two gives you a more nuanced why — and much more of the how.
Explore both volumes