Meet Andre

My personal goal is to sustain Optimum Health by achieving and maintaining a positive and balanced mind-body. From a grounded, balanced state, my intent is to inspire others in our Conscious Community to be accountable to their own wellbeing.

Growing up in the New England high country of Northern NSW with a love of the outdoors, I spent most of the winter months outside in frigid temperatures. My introduction to something similar to ice baths was probably walking across flooded creeks on the way to school.

Something I used to face with dread, I now do on a regular basis. When I moved to Coogee, the allure of the ocean was strong and I wanted to make the most of my time next to the beach. I set the goal of swimming every day and continued through the winter months. I began with shorter swims and gradually progressed to longer and longer swims trying to get out of my comfort zone at every opportunity. I found swimming in the cold winter water challenging and a great way to connect with the elements. In addition, it was a very humbling experience to swimming with people much older than me.

One way I looked to push myself further was to begin training for a triathlon. During this time, I realised my breathing was suboptimal. Even though I thought I was training smartly, I was burning myself out. A good friend and colleague recommended doing some Buteyko breathwork to help alleviate my symptoms. This opened my eyes to how poorly I had been breathing, not only while exercising, but throughout the day and night. I was so moved by the power of simple breathing exercises that I wanted to learn more and decided to do the Oxygen Advantage Instructor Training designed by renowned breath specialist, Patrick McKeown. 

I then continued my training in the Snowy Mountains with Breathless Breathwork. The experience of being with other like-minded individuals seeking to better themselves inspired me. I followed up with The Buteyko Method Instructor Training and soon after started Breath & Ice at Coogee beach. 

May we all, working together, achieve ongoing states of creative awareness, flow, and more easily discover and maintain states of equanimity (natural relaxation).