How Holding My Breath Taught Me To Live | Claire Walsh | TEDxRatoath

Often billed as ‘dangerous’ and ‘extreme,’ Claire Walsh lifts the lid on the other side of freediving and how the sport transformed her life on land.
Claire Walsh spent her twenties living the life she thought she was supposed to live, all the while playing hide and seek with depression. As a result, the road to recovery was the only travelling she did. Aged 32, single and living with her parents, she decided it was time to chart her own path. Booking a flight to South America, she let go of ‘at home Claire’ and opened herself up to a new world of possibilities.
It was here she discovered freediving. At 60 metres below the surface, Claire discovered a fresh perspective that transformed her life and helped her find freedom. Claire Walsh is bestselling author, national champion freediver, breathwork instructor and tell-it-like-it-is speaker.
In 2015 Claire set out on a series of solo travels that would introduce her to the world of freediving; the sport of holding your breath underwater. A hobby she thought would fall away upon her return to Ireland, she soon learned it taught her just as much about life on land as it did underwater.
In 2019 she became the first person to represent Ireland in the freediving world championships.
In addition to her success as a freediver, Claire is also a certified breathwork instructor. Coupled with a background in theatre, puppetry, voice and singing, Claire has helped countless individuals to achieve greater clarity, focus and wellbeing as well as explore the possibilities and potential of breath in its many creative forms.
Claire’s debut, bestselling book Under Water, How holding my breath taught me to live, published in March 2023, is a captivating, honest and emotional account of how holding her breath transformed her life and helped her find freedom.
Claire is animated, dynamic and relatable. She inspires by being candid about her achievements; the obstacles she faces, the gauntlet of emotions she runs… and how she finds a way to do it anyway. Claire strives to lift and offer a peek behind the curtain at the many, messy ups and downs it takes to make our ordinary lives extraordinary. Her passion, honesty and expertise make her a truly unique and inspiring figure in the world of freediving, breathwork, and personal growth. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@guyfravaldecoatparquet6477]

I have read Clare Walsh's book when I was, at the time, feeling very low. It gave me so much positive vibes. Plus, she is so authentic in every word she says. It is hard not to love her book.

[@NiamhTheNatureArtist]

Thank you Claire for your openness and vulnerability. Beautiful and inspiring talk. ❤

[@Snowlion987]

Beautiful talk Claire...Thank you for being so very real... curiosity taking fear by the hand... just wonderful. As is your compassion which truly shines.

[@letsstandsiobhanckeenanfit5670]

Well Done Claire 👏👏👏👏👏. Very honest and inspiring talk.

[@josephconnor8649]

A very open, honest and inspiring talk. Thank you!👍

[@DrMaryOK]

Great talk Claire!

[@JustinCaffrey]

Inspiring talk. Thank you Claire. ❤️🦸‍♀️🙏

[@clairewalsh1355]

Ah thanks so much JC

[@andrewcreevy3900]

Great message to take on board 👍👍

[@clairewalsh1355]

Cheers Andrew 💙