Reconnection, Breathwork & Ancestral Wisdom: A Conversation with Nairobi

I had the pleasure of meeting Nairobi Vision at Altea, where I coach cycling.

We crossed paths during a moment when I was deep in research on breathwork courses—because let’s be honest, the power of the breath is undeniable. And the best part? It’s free. We own our breath. It’s ours to use, to heal, to reconnect.

Nairobi’s presence was magnetic.

Her stance, energy, and dedication to her practice were instantly inspiring. She doesn’t just talk about wellness—she lives it. As a Registered Clinical Herbalist (RH) with the Ontario Herbalists Association, a Certified Breathwork Facilitator, and the founder of Elemental Notes, she brings a rich tapestry of knowledge to the holistic health space. Her work draws from Afro-Caribbean herbalism, Ayurvedic medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Western herbalism, blending ancestral wisdom with modern insight.

Through Elemental Notes, Nairobi offers seminars, workshops, specialized herbal formulations, webinars, and breathwork coaching across Canada. Her mission? Advancing health equity through education. She’s partnered with institutions like the University of Toronto Scarborough and Sheridan College to deliver transformative wellness experiences. And she does all this while balancing her role as a mother—embodying the harmony between personal and professional life that she hopes to inspire in others.

I invite you to join me in our enlightening discussion as it pertains to the power of the breath.

Anouk Malavoy: Hi Nairobi, thank you for taking the time to speak with me today.  I am excited to learn and grow from this conversation.  My first question for you is if someone only has five minutes a day, how would you suggest they use it to reconnect?

Nairobi: If it’s in the morning, use those five minutes to create a realistic and optimal plan for your day. Be intentional—make sure “you” time is part of that plan. Strategic planning helps us move forward consciously and shifts us out of survival mode. If it’s in the evening, reflect. Ask yourself: What did I do today? How did it go? What can I improve for tomorrow? Reflection stimulates conscious growth.
 
Anouk: What’s one book, quote, or teacher that’s deeply influenced your path?

Nairobi:
Book: You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay
Quote: “Who has time? But then if we do not ever take time, how can we ever have time?” — The Merovingian
Teacher: Dr. Sebi
 
Anouk: How do you see the intersection of modern wellness and ancestral wisdom evolving?

Nairobi: It’s already here—and it’s deepening. Traditions like Traditional Chinese Medicine have long woven ancestral wisdom into modern frameworks. What’s changing is the intentional preservation and reintegration.
The next generation has more tools, tech, and platforms than ever. I see this evolution continuing through clinical practice, health tech, and sustainable innovation. The key is honoring the origins—evolving with reverence and creating holistic, inclusive approaches to wellness.
 
Anouk: What inspired your journey into herbalism and breathwork?

Nairobi: I’ve studied Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, Afro-Caribbean herbalism, and Western materia medica. The more I learn, the more fluid my understanding of healing becomes. It opens doors I didn’t know existed.
 
Anouk: It seems like your personal and professional lives are deeply intertwined. How do you see that connection?

Nairobi: There’s no separation. I use the same herbs and breathwork in my daily life that I offer to others. It’s about being real with yourself and choosing consciously—not just reacting.
 
Anouk: What does growth look like for you as a breathwork facilitator and herbalist?

Nairobi: It’s about helping people realize they have the power to choose. We often wait for crisis to change. But we can choose differently—starting with something as simple as how we breathe.
 
Anouk: For someone facing burnout, what’s a gentle first step?

Nairobi: Start with the breath. Before you even get out of bed, inhale through your nose for five seconds, exhale for five. That’s called “perfect breath.” It resets your system and brings you back to yourself.
 
Anouk: What drew you to breathwork in the first place?

Nairobi: I lost over 50 pounds through breathwork, diet, and sauna. I didn’t work out—breathing was the workout. It changed my body, my mind, and my life. That’s when I understood its power.
 
Anouk: For someone overwhelmed by change, how can they begin?

Nairobi: Start with one thing. Write a note to yourself. Ask a friend to check in. Put a reminder on your mirror. You own your breath—no one can take that from you. Use it with intention.
 
Anouk: What are your personal ingredients for happiness?

Nairobi: Laughter. Love. Communication. Eating and drinking with intention. Daily detox. Sleep. Conscious breath. Meditation. Movement. Life is about growth—stagnancy is the opposite of living.
 
Anouk: Do you have a mantra or mindset you live by?

Nairobi:
A few:
“Drink water and mind my business.”
“Stand strong in my strength and my power.”
And from Inception: “You have to learn to dream a little bigger, darling.”
 
Anouk: What are two or three breath practices people can start today?

Nairobi: Try perfect breath—five to six seconds in and out through the nose. Do it in the morning, at night, or during stress. Even three minutes can shift your state.
 
Anouk: And for those interested in working with you?

Nairobi: Start by emailing me. You can also explore our website or social media. Whether you know what you need or not, just reach out. We’ll take it from there.
 
Anouk: What’s the one thing you hope people remember from this conversation?

Nairobi: Your body is your most valuable asset. You have free will—it’s your birthright. A small change today can ripple into lasting transformation in the days to come.
 
Anouk: Lastly, what are your personal ingredients for happiness?

Nairobi: Laughter. Love. Communication. Eating and drinking with intention. Daily detox. Sleep. Conscious breath. Meditation. Movement. Life is about growth—stagnancy is the opposite of living.

Anouk: Thank you for sharing this space with me.