The power of human connection with Elise Griffin

At Wellbelle, we believe that human connection is at the heart of true wellbeing. It’s what grounds us, heals us, and reminds us that we’re not meant to do life alone.

In keeping with this theme, we interviewed Elise Griffin, founder of SoulBreath - the largest breath and ice-bath community on Sydney’s Northern Beaches to explore how human connection shapes our health and happiness, and how her growing community is helping people rediscover both.

When asked what inspired her to create SoulBreath, Elise shared that her motivation was born from one of the most challenging collective experiences of our time.

“I was inspired to found SoulBreath by the aftermath of the COVID lockdowns, a time when we all felt so disconnected, leading to severe mental health challenges for myself and those around me. I believe connection is one of our basic human needs - just as important as good nutrition, quality sleep, clean drinking water, and having a roof over our heads. I wanted to create a safe space where people could not only heal but also connect with like-minded souls, form friendships, and truly thrive.”

That vision has since evolved into a thriving community - one that meets weekly for breathwork and cold water exposure, but stays for something much deeper: belonging.

When it comes to cultivating connection, Elise believes it starts small.

“Begin with manageable steps. Initiate a conversation with someone you already know, attend a local event, or join a community group that interests you. SoulBreath Sundays could be a great place to start!”

Elise shared her advice for anyone wanting to deepen their connections:

• Be genuine - Authenticity is key to building meaningful connections. Be yourself, share your interests, and show genuine curiosity about others. People appreciate honesty and sincerity.

• Listen actively - Practice active listening by giving your full attention to the person you are engaging with. This means putting away distractions (put that phone away and out of sight!), making eye contact, and responding thoughtfully.

• Be vulnerable - Don't be afraid to share your thoughts and feelings. Vulnerability can lead to deeper, more meaningful conversations and help build trust. Brené Brown has a great TED Talk on this topic.

• Find common interests - Engage in activities that you enjoy and where you are likely to meet like-minded people.

• Be patient - Building deep connections takes time. Be patient with yourself and others. Allow relationships to develop naturally without rushing them.

• Follow up - After meeting someone new, follow up with a message or plan another meet-up. Consistency helps strengthen relationships.

• Seek professional help if needed - If you find it particularly challenging to connect with others, consider seeking help from a therapist or counselor. They can provide guidance and strategies to improve your social skills. I offer counseling services and can help in this area. Reach out if you need support.

• Practice self-compassion - Be kind to yourself during this process. It's normal to feel anxious or awkward at times. Remember that everyone experiences these feelings, and it's part of the journey towards building deeper connections.

  
  

Connection is woven into everything SoulBreath does. Elise explains that their sessions always include intentional practices to help participants feel safe and seen.

“We always include connection activities and icebreakers to ensure that people who have never met or spoken to each other are connecting within the community. We also meet after the sessions for coffee and food on the grass at Dee Why. During the summer months, we are often there for the rest of the day! Additionally, we organise community activities outside of SoulBreath sessions to further deepen the bonds among participants.”

For those looking to explore the theme of connection further, Elise shared a few of her favourite reads:

• How to Know A Person by David Brooks

• Lost Connections by Johann Hari

• Clarity & Connection by Yung Pueblo

• How to Be The Love You Seek by Dr. Nicole LePera

Elise’s work with SoulBreath is a reminder that healing often begins with human connection - the kind that happens when we slow down, breathe deeply, and truly show up for one another.

Follow Elise and the SoulBreath community on Instagram @elise.soulbreath to learn more about their events and practices that bring people together <3