In the Spotlight: News, Media, and Stories of Impact
Breath to Lead: Rijk Zwaan’s 100 Years of Excellence
Sustainable success in life and leadership is built on principles that are as crucial in the boardroom as they are in extreme physical challenges—whether you're conquering the waves at Mavericks or guiding an open water swimmer in a record breaking swim across the Monterey Channel.
From the ocean to the executive office, breathwork holds the transformative power to elevate performance. So grateful for the opportunity to share at the Rijk Zwaan 100th Year Celebration how peak performance is unlocked by mastering key principles—all anchored in the power of breath:
Adaptability: Just as the ocean constantly shifts and demands flexibility, leadership and life require us to adjust to new circumstances with resilience and grace. Breathwork helps us center ourselves in moments of change, enabling sharper focus and quicker recovery.
Focus and Patience: Whether waiting for the perfect wave or navigating turbulent waters, true leaders know that maintaining calm and clarity allows for better decisions. Breath control fosters this mindfulness, helping us stay composed under pressure.
Endurance and Perseverance: The real strength lies not only in physical prowess but in mental fortitude—pushing through discomfort with a calm, steady mind. Breathwork empowers us to persevere, to keep going when challenges mount.
Breath is the foundation that connects these principles. It sharpens focus, accelerates recovery, and sustains endurance, both in life’s challenges and in leadership roles.
When we learn to harness the power of our breath, we can lead with purpose, learn with clarity, and live with resilience. The mastery of breathwork is the key to unlocking peak performance and achieving sustainable success in every endeavor.
Grade 6 Health Students Discover the Power of Breathwork
At CSN, Grade 6 Health students recently participated in the *Breath Well, Be Well* workshops, where they learned the science behind proper breathing and its remarkable benefits. These hands-on sessions taught students how to engage their diaphragm and surrounding muscles to breathe more effectively, linking the biology of breath to its powerful impact on well-being. They discovered that by mastering this simple yet vital process, they can significantly enhance how they live, lead, learn, and serve.
As part of CSN's expanding Wellness initiative, students practiced various breathing techniques that extend far beyond physical health. Breathwork, they learned, is a key to emotional resilience, mindfulness, and compassion. In challenging moments, whether in school or everyday life, the ability to control their breath empowers them to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively, giving them a sense of calm and control to navigate stress.
Leadership was a core focus of the workshops. Students were introduced to the idea that fear is a natural part of life, but how we respond to it defines who we are as leaders. With breathwork, they are better equipped to "Face Everything And Rise"—making brave decisions under pressure with clarity and composure.
From preparing for a big test or game to performing on stage or stepping up in their community, these sessions provided students with a valuable tool for success. Breathwork enhances clear thinking, reduces stress, and nurtures a sense of stewardship, encouraging them to make thoughtful decisions that positively impact themselves and those around them.
By incorporating breathwork into their daily routines, these young students are developing habits that will benefit them for years to come, fostering both mental and emotional well-being as they grow into thoughtful, resilient individuals.