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As I sat down to write a different blogpost, I found myself frequently circling back to the theme of vulnerability. Curious about its nuances, I decided to explore synonyms for this and was surprised to find that vulnerability had only negative connotations. These included: In danger, attackable, defenseless, unsafe, exposed, wide open, helpless, at risk.

Whilst it’s undeniable that vulnerability can entail some of these elements, vulnerability also looks like strength, bravery, resilience. It looks like diving into the shadow sides of ourselves, regardless of fear or apprehension of what we might find. It looks like summoning courage and boldness.
The times I have admired someone the most, is when they have put their rawest, most vulnerable parts of themselves out there. I’ve found that my deepest and most meaningful connections or conversations with others have often stemmed from moments of shared vulnerability, leaving me feeling lighter and grateful for the exchange.

A time that I felt very vulnerable was when I decided to start going to grief support groups. Sharing how I felt – which was something I never used to do – with total strangers felt alien and scary and like the most horribly vulnerable thing in the whole world, but I was met with smiles, kindness, and people telling me they had experienced similar thoughts/feelings. This big step into vulnerability allowed me to face grief more face-on in my own life and showed me that, as scary as it is, I am able to open up and talk about what was going on for me.

Embarking on my journey to become a breathwork facilitator also stirred up feelings of vulnerability within me. It’s a declaration of my passion and commitment to something I deeply love, something I want to share with the world. Yet, in doing so, I’m laying myself bare to the possibility of criticism or rejection. It’s a daunting prospect, opening myself up to the potential for people to dismiss or disapprove of what I’m doing. But amidst the apprehension, there was always an undeniable excitement within me. I was stepping into a realm where others will resonate with and embrace my offerings, where they may enjoy attending my sessions and find value in what I have to offer. The prospect of connecting with like-minded souls, of witnessing transformations, is equally exciting as it is nerve-wracking.

So yes, diving into this new chapter of my life is a rollercoaster of emotions—exciting, nerve-wracking, and everything in between. But ultimately, it’s a leap of faith fueled by passion and a desire to share something meaningful with others. And for that, I’m ready to embrace the journey, uncertainties and all.

The times I have been witness to someone being vulnerable, I have seen it met with love, kindness, compassion, understanding, and often times it allows others to feel able to open up and share too. Of course, I am very privileged to have access to wonderful supportive people and spaces. I understand that this is not the case for everyone. There is a time and a place for vulnerability.

As a breathwork facilitator, vulnerability represents something a little bit different. Holding space for others means that you do need to be strong, regulated, and have capacity to hold other people. This is not our time for sharing, it is our time to hold space, and to listen. A great piece of advice I heard was that as facilitators we must be teaching from our scars not our wounds. Having that emotional distance between yourself and what you’re discussing. As the facilitator, the breathwork circle is not your place to offload and share, but to be there to hold the space for others.

Holding space for others requires strength, yes, but it also demands emotional resilience and a mindful approach. There’s a delicate balance between offering support and maintaining boundaries. As facilitators, we’re tasked with guiding others on their journey. It’s about creating a safe space for exploration and growth, without overshadowing the experiences of others.

So, here’s to embracing vulnerability—both as individuals and as facilitators. It can be messy, it can be uncomfortable, but the benefits can be huge. After all, it’s through vulnerability that we truly connect, heal, and thrive.

Lottie Hall. Breathwork with Lottie.

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

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

In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, finding moments of true peace and clarity can be rare. At least that’s how I’ve felt for most of my life. My brain is often so busy that I can use the wrong words in a conversation because I’ve got so far ahead of myself that my voice can’t keep up with the chatter in my mind.

I tried so many things – reading, meditation, yoga, walking, music – but nothing really worked long term. I might get five minutes of distraction or hyper focus, but then my mind would start chattering again. And it was so frustrating! Where was this quiet, calm space in my mind that everyone has and I just couldn’t access?

It wasn’t until I found breathwork in 2022 that I understood I’d been going about it all wrong. I realised that I’d been trying to do something I didn’t have the skills for yet – jumping way ahead of myself instead of starting at the beginning. Five minutes of quiet mind space with no brain chatter is actually really hard without the “training” that leads up to it. And those people that can do it have been doing it a really long time!

Finding moments of daily clarity was the starting point for me. Because the mental quiet was so alien to me, my brain was finding ways to keep the noise going – it literally didn’t know what to do with the quiet, peaceful space. So just learning to stop, close my eyes and focus on taking a breath was so simple, yet so profound.

And as cliche as it sounds – it changed my life.

A simple breath can bring me out of the mental chatter and back into my body with very little effort. And over time, I’ve learned to lengthen those initial few seconds and sit with the quiet. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t – I have to keep reminding myself that I’m undoing a lifetime of chatter and it’s not the end of the world if I don’t get longer than a few seconds. What matters the most is that I take that conscious breath, and another, and another, and keep the momentum going.

The simple effectiveness of this snared my interest – if this worked for me, then what else was I missing? And of course, it wasn’t enough to just learn the techniques, I wanted the full on journey of learning for myself and then to take it out into the world. I was already a coach, so adding another string to my bow was a no brainer!

Over the course of the last year, during my breathwork facilitator training, I have learned so much more than I ever thought I could. More techniques, more clarity, and more personal development journey than I ever expected.

Learning to breathe consciously was the biggest game changer for me. Breath is the only automatic bodily function we can consciously control and it can significantly affect our emotional state. So learning to wield it as a tool as well as it being the thing that keeps us alive, is about the most useful thing we can ever do for ourselves.

I use breathwork every day for myself – keeping the simple breath, but also using coherence breathing to slow down, or even just noticing my breath pattern and changing it consciously so it supports me rather than running away with my emotions.

Every time I dive into breathwork for myself, whether I’m doing it solo or it’s being guided by someone else, it always feels like a fresh experience. It could be something as straightforward as a box breath to regulate my system, or a more intense conscious connected breath that brings about real energy shifts. Especially if you are being led by someone else – them holding space for you to grow and change feels so nurturing. And it’s an experience we often miss out on in adult life.

Because facilitating breathwork for someone else is always an honour – that person is putting their trust in me, allowing me to direct them into changing the very thing that keeps them alive. And even if it feels edgy or uncomfortable at the time, the after effects will always be the thing they need. The breath is clever like that!

And no matter the technique, breathwork is a seriously powerful practice. One that shouldn’t be underestimated, but one that we all should be taking seriously as a part of our everyday lives.

If you haven’t already, I highly recommend just stopping, closing your eyes and taking a breath. One single breath. And see how you feel after. And if it feels good, take another. Then find the moments in your day where you can use it.

Taking a breath with you now.

Laura

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

There is a huge difference between the point of infatuation that you feel when you first meet a potential partner in life or even just for a season vs the gentle falling in love process that happens over time as you get to know that person, begin to share yourself with that person and then to see how you weave and create together.
It’s a great analogy for my relationship with breath work thus far. My first experience was explosive. Very much like that lightening bolt of infatuation or attraction, the magnetic pull that leads you in ever deeper.
But like most relationships, at some point the deepening becomes more important than the emotional reaction to the chemical synapses.

“I encourage you, in fact it’s a requirement of graduating the course, to have a daily breath work practice” says my breath work teacher. I roll my eyes heavenward. The infatuation period is over.
I have always struggled with a daily practice. Prayer or bible reading when I was religious. Daily visualisation and manifestation techniques as I began to explore spirituality. Daily exercise .. ever! Daily posting on social media as I started my business. Getting up early and finishing your day before everyone else has started. Daily juicing – I could go on, the list of these daily must do’s is exhausting!
I give a big sigh! Another ‘daily’ to fail at. Consequently, I make a very half-hearted attempt. I recorded my singing bowls to utilise in 3.6.5 breath inspired by a fellow facilitator. I bribe myself, no coffee until you’ve taken conscious breath outside for at least 5 minutes etc etc. Nothing works.

Eventually, in a fit of pique akin to a two-year-old tantrum I screech “I will NOT” (inside my head obviously!!) or in adult speak, I release the ‘trying’ and let it go into the alchemy of natural change.
What I noticed as I did this, was quite miraculous.

Nothing happened immediately of course, but as I forgot my childlike tantrum and forgot about my resistance, over a period of time, I found myself turning to and integrating breath into my everyday life. When I took a walk, I began counting my breath and so I introduced what I call Square breathing, but others may recognise it as Box Breath. As I prepared to read or prepared to write I found myself naturally starting with a few rounds of conscious connected nose breathing. When I was struggling with learning a concept or making a connection, I turned to conscious connected open mouth breathing. When I needed to explore my inner senses, I sparked my creativity by breathing into my 3 inner brains – instinct, intuition, and intelligence – employing felt sense to guide me. When I felt scattered, I took a few deep breaths to gather myself back in. When I wanted to connect with people, I encouraged breathing together.
Without actually ‘doing’ or ‘trying’ anything, simply by being natural, I was incorporating so much more than a contrived daily practice into my life. Conscious breathing was becoming an integral part of who I am.
As I reflect on this, I return to my analogy of falling in love. No longer a frenzy of infatuation, conscious breathing is becoming the love of my life. A deep connection that I miss when it’s not there, something I turn to in times of need, something I turn to in times of celebration, something I can’t help but speak about whenever I get the opportunity, and anyone will listen!

This blog was first written as part of my facilitator training with Breathing Space, the school where I now teach. This next paragraph is a recent addition.

Like a relationship with a person, I began to take breath for granted, and forgot to appreciate and to engage with the breath quite as regularly. This coincided with a very stressful time in my life. Where the support of the breath would have been so welcomed and was certainly needed! Unlike some of our human relationships, the breath is nonjudgemental and is there for me whenever I return, offering the same sage wisdom, and sharing the experiences that I need in the moment. Every time.

I’m learning the radical act of self-love (to let go of perfectionism) and to be kind to myself, reminding myself of my mastery in this field and letting myself return gently to that place of constant connection. So, if as you read my earlier words you thought “That’s ok for you, I’m not there yet!” Trust me, nor am I, nor will I ever be. I’m learning though, that I don’t need to be ‘there’ I just need to turn up. Wherever I am. Right here. Right now. And as long as I show up, the breath will meet me there.

PS – thankfully most of my humans have supported me during my stressful times too. So, thank you one and all from my heart to yours. You each know who you are. xx

Sharyn-With-A-Why

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

Incorporating breathwork into your daily routine can be simple and effective, when our students begin their facilitator training with Breathing Space, we encourage a short daily practice and a longer breathwork at least once a week:

  1. Morning practice: Start with 5-10 minutes of rhythmic breathing upon waking.
  2. Commute breaths: Practice a gentle lung stretch during your commute (if not driving, for example at traffic lights).
  3. Work breaks: Take short breathing breaks between tasks. Perhaps try 4-7-8 breath whilst the kettle is boiling.
  4. Mealtime mindfulness: Practice breath awareness before meals, just noticing how you are feeling and how you are breathing.
  5. Stress response: Use quick techniques like box breathing during stressful moments.
  6. Exercise warm-up/cool-down: Incorporate breathwork before and after workouts.
  7. Bedtime ritual: Practice calming techniques before sleep, again rhythmic breathing is great.
  8. App reminders: Use smartphone apps to remind you to practice throughout the day.
  9. Pair with habits: Attach breathwork to existing habits like brushing your teeth.
  10. Mindful moments: Use daily activities (e.g., waiting in line) as cues for brief practice.

Start small and gradually increase. Consistency is key – even short, regular sessions can be highly beneficial. Experiment to find what works best for your lifestyle and needs. For me, I simply started with Breath Awareness at various points during the day, and developed my practice from there. I have to confess, this deteriorated during a particularly difficult time for me, and my regular longer breathworks actually kept me on track, so be aware and be kind to yourself.

The optimal time for breathwork practice can vary depending on individual needs and schedules, as well as the type of breathwork under consideration. I am usually alert and activated after a Conscious Connected Breathwork, and so prefer to practice during the day, where a Yoga Nidra or Heart Coherence Breathwork might help with relaxation at night time. Be mindful of your body and rhythms.

Morning practice benefits:

  • Energizing start to the day
  • Sets a calm tone for daily activities
  • May improve focus and productivity
  • Can help manage morning anxiety

Evening practice benefits:

  • Helps unwind and destress after a long day
  • Can improve sleep quality
  • Aids in transitioning from work to relaxation mode
  • May help process the day’s emotions

Factors to consider:

  • Personal energy levels at different times
  • Work and family schedules
  • Type of breathwork technique (energizing vs. calming)
  • Individual health conditions

Some people benefit from both morning and evening sessions, using energizing techniques in the morning and calming ones at night. Ultimately, the best time is when you can practice consistently. Experiment with different times to find what works best for you and your lifestyle.

Breathwork and meditation are closely related practices that often complement each other, my breathwork ‘grandfather’ describes Breathwork as “Meditating without meditation”!

Meditation actually comes from the Latin word meditatio, which is derived from the verb meditari meaning “to think, contemplate, devise, ponder”. it was originally practiced as a form of focus, imagine choosing a leaf and spending a considerable amount of time just contemplating that leaf.

Somewhere in history Meditation has translated to ‘clearing the mind’ which I think is impossible and unnecessary .. but that’s maybe a full article for another day rather than just a Q&A. For now here are some more popular thoughts:

  1. Shared focus: Both practices involve focused attention, often using the breath as an anchor.
  2. Mindfulness: Both encourage present-moment awareness and observation of thoughts and sensations.
  3. Relaxation: Both can induce a relaxation response in the body.
  4. Stress reduction: Both are effective tools for managing stress and anxiety.
  5. Mind-body connection: Both practices strengthen the connection between mental and physical states.
  6. Complementary techniques: Many meditation practices incorporate specific breathing techniques.
  7. Preparation: Breathwork is often used as a preliminary practice to settle the mind before meditation.
  8. Altered states: Both can lead to altered states of consciousness, though breathwork can be more active.
  9. Spiritual aspects: Both have roots in spiritual traditions, though they can be practiced secularly.
  10. Accessibility: Both can be practiced without special equipment, making them widely accessible.

While meditation often involves a more passive observation of the breath, breathwork actively manipulates breathing patterns. Many practitioners find that combining both practices enhances their overall benefits and provides a more comprehensive approach to mental and physical well-being.

What do you enjoy about breathwork and how has it helped you?

Breathwork quite literally saved my life. That sounds dramatic doesn’t it? I have moon in Leo, I need to been seen and heard, and sometimes drama helps! It’s not a lie though, since I’ve found breathwork and built a relationship with my own breath, the suicidal ideations have almost stopped. It’s a little like being in recovery, I think I’ll always travel with depression, but somehow it’s bearable, and even enjoyable, to walk this life with the breath as my companion.

Where did you complete your training (or where are you still in training)?

Graduate Facilitator, Mentor and Teacher at Breathing Space
Licenced Aria Breath Practitioner

Are you trained in any other modalities?

So many! I’m an Accountant and Chartered Manager from my corporate days which I bring into my Cosmic Business Coaching. I’m also an Astrologer, Advanced Soul Plan Practitioner, Clinical Hypnotherapist, NLP Practitioner, Tarot Reader, Spiritual Coach and Counsellor to name but a few of the certificates I’ve gathered on this journey of self discovery.

How do they integrate with breathwork?

It’s my view that everything we were before we found breathwork, and everything we do afterwards will all integrate with our breathwork facilitation. In fact I believe we should look into our past and our passions to find our most beautiful path ahead – filled with moments of complete competency and moments of complete terror as we go the edges of our comfort zone (like launching an online magazine for example!)

What is your personal journey?

I live in the North of England, and have a 33-year-old daughter, a grand-dawg called Alan and a grand-baby, who recently arrived earth-side! No pets of my own (partner with allergies; jury is still out on the cat vs. partner debate!!).

I have experienced a successful corporate career (finance, leadership, marketing, and business growth) that didn’t cause any real stress beyond manageable eustress. Being self-employed has almost broken me many times.

Having navigated a breakdown without medical aid (not a recommendation, just my story), I now use nature’s cycles and rhythms to manage all four quadrants of life: body, mind, emotions, and spirit. The breath being the first cycle we encounter and that holds so much magic!

I have incredible resilience built up over many challenges, but it’s only relatively recently, I would say, that I’ve experienced a dark night of the soul. But that’s a story for a chat over a cuppa.

I’m now passionate about bringing the sacred into the mundane, reflecting the wisdom of nature in all aspects of life. Supporting people to find their own place of belonging. Holding space within myself for all parts of me—the accountant, the hippie, the spiritual explorer, and the magician.

I love coffee, box sets on a Sunday afternoon, sitting by the lake, walking in the woods and dark chocolate! When I grow up, I want to be a life alchemist.

What do you stand for, and what do you stand against?

I stand for – Equity and fairness, Freedom, Learning and Exploring

I stand against – Rudeness, Unkindness, Dogma and Judgement

What is your greatest wish for your clients

To remember their true nature and live in stress free alignment. Stress is the silent killer that slowly creeps up on us. My friend warned me for many years, and I just thought she didn’t quite have my resilience. How the not so mighty fell .. with a bump!

To find Soulitude and Peace in the chaos – Creating little pockets of calm each day with the breath, allows the nervous system to rest and reset.

En-life-enment – To live this life in full technicolour. Body, Mind, Emotions and Spirit in harmony with the breath.

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What is your personal journey?

I am a mystic that has completed that journey and so now I am looking into being more myself which means living a life according to preference, all things considered and included. I realized a while ago that life is a series of experiences, though the past can change, that ultimately repeats the pattern of desire and fulfilment. Knowing this, I am quite excited to continue discovering what seeds exist within me and are ready to bloom into my lived-reality.

What do you enjoy about breathwork and how has it helped you?

What I enjoy the most is that it is a point of connection with others and with myself. It has helped me travel the inside of my body as though I am made of mountains and valleys. What I ultimately love about the breath is that it allows me to exist and what I love most about watching it is that it brings me to new places within me that I didn’t know existed.

Where did you complete your training (or where are you still in training)?

My name is Tavisha Shummoogum and I have not completed any training towards becoming a breathwork facilitator.

What do you stand for, and what do you stand against?

I stand for truth simply because I like what feels true. I stand against holding myself fixed where I am when the natural call to action is no longer to pause and enjoy but to move forward. I love and appreciate every view along the way, but there is more to discover, more to live, more to enjoy, therefore, every now and then, I am magnetically drawn into continuing forward with curiosity, into the next, into the new, into the mystery. Put more simply, I stand against not moving forward when that moment of tension from staying rises up. And I’d like to clarify that the action of moving forward for me is allowing the desire to come up and out from within rather than suppressing it by ignoring it. This allowance also tends to result in me being repositioned deeper within myself which is always interesting (because what else is there to know??).

What is your greatest wish for your clients

I no longer work in a field where I have clients, so I’ll casually switch the word to fans since that is the world I am walking into. My greatest wish for them is that they live a life they deserve which means a life that constantly puts them in state of awe and wonder. It means a life that renders them speechless before they can even begin to explain it. It means a life that holds them in such a way that they have no doubt they are the precious point of existence.

My Bio

What am I? I am someone who is curious enough to let life reflect me to me. More specifically, I am someone who has noticed that all of existence blooms inside my heart for me to then live a reality that can surprise me with discovery of what started within and exists without. It leads me to this awareness that all things are connected and a newfound desire to let life evidence this.

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