There comes a time in life when simply getting by just isn’t enough anymore. For many of us, the fast pace of life and constant demands can leave us feeling drained, disconnected, and stuck in a cycle of just surviving. I’ve been there and it’s not a pleasant place to be, so I know how important it is to find a way out of that pattern and into something more nourishing and fulfilling.

That’s what led me to create THRIVE with the Tree of Breath—a framework that goes beyond just coping and instead nurtures a genuine sense of thriving. Inspired by the growth of a tree, this approach weaves together breathwork, happiness practices, and gentle holistic techniques to help us grow stronger, feel grounded, and live with purpose.

Each part of the THRIVE journey mirrors a part of the tree, starting with roots that ground us, a trunk that supports us, branches that extend us, leaves that nourish us, flowers that connect us with others and finally, fruit that symbolises our empowerment. With our breath as our guide, this journey invites us to reconnect with our authentic selves, grow through life’s challenges, and rediscover the joy of simply being.
By rooting ourselves in intentional breath and aligning with our values, we can nurture resilience, discover deeper self-awareness, and, most importantly, create space to grow into the life we’ve always hoped for.

The Roots of the THRIVE framework are all about creating a solid foundation by grounding yourself in who you are and where you are right now. This stage combines Therapeutic Breath with reflective practices, like a life audit and values audit, to help you gain clarity on your current state and what truly matters to you. Here, we also focus on your breathing patterns, identifying ways to improve them because breathing well is at the root of all health—it impacts everything from your energy to your emotional resilience. Embracing your response-ability, or the power to choose how you respond to life’s challenges, is also key. Like roots stabilising a tree, this foundation grounds you, helping you approach each day with balance, strength, and a sense of possibility.

The Trunk of the THRIVE framework represents your inner strength and stability, the core that supports you through life’s challenges. At this stage, we focus on Happy Breath, a practice that nurtures emotional resilience and balance by connecting to the pillars of the body and heart. Just as the trunk holds up a tree, these practices help you find stability within, supporting your well-being in a way that feels solid and dependable. With techniques for emotional regulation and heart-centred breathing, the trunk stage invites you to cultivate calmness and compassion, building a strong core that enables you to weather whatever comes your way. This stage is all about standing tall, feeling centred, and rooting deeply into a sense of self-trust.

The Branches of the THRIVE framework symbolise growth beyond old limitations, stretching outward to reach new possibilities. This stage is all about Rewiring Breath, where we work on releasing limiting beliefs and patterns that may be holding you back. Just as branches extend outward, here we explore practices like NLP, Havening, EFT, and Conscious Connected Breathing to help you open up to fresh perspectives and transform your mental landscape. The branches stage invites you to reframe old habits and thoughts, creating space for new growth, flexibility, and empowerment. With each breath, you reach a little further, discovering the freedom that comes from letting go of what no longer serves you.

The Leaves of the THRIVE framework represent nourishment and renewal, drawing in light and energy to sustain your inner vitality. In this stage, we focus on Inner Nourishing Breath—practices that nurture your soul and feed your sense of well-being. Just as leaves absorb sunlight to sustain the tree, this stage invites you to take in what truly replenishes you. Through coherence breathing, flower essences, and connecting with your own inner wisdom, the leaves stage is about caring for yourself deeply and consistently. It’s a reminder that nourishment isn’t a luxury; it’s essential for growth. By tuning into what truly sustains you, you cultivate the resilience and vitality needed to flourish.

The Flowers of the THRIVE framework symbolise connection, beauty, and the joy of sharing who we are with others. In this stage, we focus on Vital Connecting Breath, using practices that foster empathy, compassion, and deeper relationships. Just as flowers bloom outwardly, this stage invites us to open up and connect with the world around us. Heart Coherence breathing and Loving Kindness practices are central here, helping you cultivate meaningful connections, both with yourself and others. The flowers remind us that true connection is a gift, bringing colour and vibrancy to life. By nurturing these bonds, you allow your relationships to blossom and enrich your journey.

The Fruit of the THRIVE framework represents the harvest of your journey—embodying empowerment, fulfillment, and purpose. This final stage focuses on Empowering Breath, using conscious connected breathwork to help you embrace your strength and step into your fullest self. Just as the fruit of a tree contains the seeds of new life, this stage is about realising the power and potential you’ve cultivated through each phase of growth. Here, breathwork encourages you to feel grounded in your accomplishments, aligned with your passions, and confident in the path ahead. The fruit stage is your chance to savour the journey, embodying the wisdom, resilience, and vitality you’ve nurtured within.

The THRIVE framework is a journey through growth, resilience, and self-discovery, each stage building on the one before it. Like a tree, our well-being is rooted in a strong foundation, and from there, we reach upward, nourish ourselves, connect with others, and finally harvest the fruits of our inner work. Through intentional breath and thoughtful practices, the THRIVE framework guides us from simply surviving to truly thriving, honouring each step as part of a whole, living process. By tending to our roots, trunk, branches, leaves, flowers, and fruit, we reconnect with ourselves and the world around us in a way that feels grounded, balanced, and deeply fulfilling. In every breath, we find a new beginning, a reminder of our strength, and a pathway toward a life of growth and empowerment.

Marie Doherty – Empowering Women to Breathe, Thrive, and Shine.

To find out more about Marie, take a look at her profile in Practitioners Corner