Learning to Breathe - Peter Cass' Story

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke

Imagine plunging into the depths of the English Channel, thirty meters below the surface, utterly alone. Panic takes over, your breath spiralling out of control when survival depends on calm. What happens next doesn’t just save the dive—it changes your outlook on life.

Years later, a sudden stroke brings an entirely new challenge. Recovery plunges you into a different kind of depth—one filled with uncertainty, frustration, and self-discovery. Through this chaos, creativity ignites, lessons emerge, and breathing transforms from a reflex into a powerful symbol of resilience.

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome retired IT manager, guitar teacher, history buff, and music lover Peter Cass who invites us on a breathtaking journey through two defining moments: a near-drowning experience and the long road to recovery after a stroke. Both tested his limits and reshaped his identity, revealing the human spirit's ability to rise from life’s deepest challenges.

Peter's Resource Suggestions:
Different Strokes
Markus Birdman
Peter Cass' Substack
Peter Cass' Facebook
Peter Cass' Instagram
Same You
Stroke Association UK
What is Yoga Nidra - WebMD
Community Conversation Prompts:

1. What reminds you to stop and focus on your breath each day?
2. What is a surprising lesson you’ve learned from a difficult experience?