Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Balance Breathing
At Balance Breathing, we are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported. We recognize the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and incorporate these principles into every aspect of our work, from our facilitators to the structure of our sessions. Our approach includes Inclusive Breathing Sessions, Breathwork and Mental Health for Openness and Inclusivity, Inclusive Promotion Materials, Cultural Sensitivity in Breathwork Practices, Language Accessibility, Sustainability and Well-being, Diversity in Our Team and Hiring Strategy.
1. Inclusive breathing sessions:
Our breathing sessions are designed with accessibility and inclusivity in mind. We tailor each session to meet the unique needs of your organization, ensuring that all participants, regardless of physical ability, background, or level of experience, can fully engage in and benefit from the techniques we teach. For example, we make our sessions accessible to individuals with both visible and non-visible disabilities. We provide seating options, such as benches, for participants who may not be comfortable sitting on the floor or who have mobility limitations, such as those in wheelchairs. For individuals with specific health conditions, such as cardiovascular challenges, asthma, or pregnancy, we offer alternative breathing techniques to ensure a safe and effective experience. Our sessions are also adaptable to accommodate older participants and those who may require gentler practices.
We also prioritize gathering feedback at the end of trial breathing sessions to continually improve our inclusivity. One of the survey questions specifically asks participants how we can make our breathing sessions more DEI-oriented, allowing us to adjust and enhance our practices based on direct input.
2. Breathwork and mental health for ppenness and inclusivity:
Breathwork, as a mindful practice, has been shown to reduce stress and enhance emotional regulation, which contributes to greater empathy, acceptance, and open-mindedness. When individuals feel more grounded and mentally at ease, they are better able to listen, connect, and embrace different perspectives, which are fundamental to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion. By promoting mental clarity and emotional balance, breathwork helps participants develop the self-awareness and mindfulness necessary to effectively follow DEI guidelines. A healthy mental state encourages individuals to engage in more thoughtful, inclusive behaviors and build stronger, more collaborative relationships in diverse work environments.
3. Inclusive promotion materials:
We design our promotional materials, such as breathwork session invitation emails, to address everyone inclusively. The language we use is neutral and welcoming, ensuring that it does not unintentionally encourage or discourage attendance from specific groups, such as older or younger employees. Our goal is to make every participant, regardless of age or background, feel equally welcomed and valued, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion before the session even begins.
4. Cultural sensitivity in breathwork practices:
We recognize that participants may come from a variety of cultural and religious backgrounds, which may influence their comfort with certain practices. Our facilitators are trained to be mindful of cultural and religious sensitivities, and we are always willing to modify or adjust our techniques as needed to ensure that all participants feel comfortable. This respect for diverse beliefs and practices is a core component of how we foster inclusion in our sessions.
5. Language accessibility:
All our sessions are conducted in English to include both expats and locals, as well as temporary visiting employees. We understand that some participants may not be fully fluent in English, and if approached with concerns about language barriers, we are happy to provide follow-up breathwork videos in their preferred language. This ensures that everyone can continue benefiting from the techniques taught during the session, extending inclusivity beyond the immediate class.
6. Sustainability and well-being:
In line with our commitment to sustainability, we aim to minimize the environmental impact of our activities. All materials and equipment we use in our sessions are reusable, such as benches (or recycled paper-based), ensuring we contribute to the health of the planet while promoting personal well-being. We also encourage practices that can be sustained long after our sessions, empowering participants with tools to improve their mental and physical health in the long term.
7. Diversity in our team and hiring strategy:
Our current team represents a rich mix of cultural backgrounds, including facilitators from the United States, Hungary, Spain, and Italy, bringing different perspectives and cultural diversity into our sessions. While our team is currently small, we are committed to expanding our facilitator pool with a focus on diversity across gender, ethnicity, abilities, work experience, and age. We recognize the value of different life experiences, professional backgrounds, and perspectives in creating more enriched and empathetic sessions. Our hiring strategy prioritizes inclusivity, ensuring our team reflects a broad spectrum of experiences, enabling us to meet the diverse needs of the clients we serve.
8. Partnering for a more inclusive future:
We understand the significance of DEI to many of our partners, and we align our services with these values. By choosing Balance Breathing, you not only invest in the health and productivity of your team but also work with a supplier that prioritizes diversity, inclusion, and sustainability at its core.
This commitment ensures that as our team grows, we continue to foster an inclusive environment that brings forward the best practices in health, well-being, and innovation. We look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with your organization and contribute to creating an inclusive and healthier workplace for your team. In case you have questions about our DEI policy, feel free to reach out at info@balance-breathing.nl. We are always more than open for dialog and feedback!
