Restore Your Nervous System: A Breath-Body-Mind™ (BBM) Weekend Workshop in the Azores
Led by Mandy Brinkley, Senior Level 4 BBM Teacher
Set against the healing natural landscape of the Azores, Portugal, this immersive weekend combines the science of BBM with the restorative power of nature
Each day runs from 10am-5pm with an hour to enjoy a three course lunch together at the Quinta (included in the price).
Your BBM Retreat Weekend includes:
12-hour weekend workshop
BBM Fundamentals Manual.
Recorded presentations by Richard Brown, MD and Patricia Gerbarg, MD.
Delicious, local 3 course lunch at the Quinta.
Experience the Science of Coherent Breathing in the Azores
What to Expect from this BBM™ Workshop
Coherent Breathing: The core practice of this program - Help to optimize your heart-rate variability (HRV) and regulate your nervous system.
Trauma-Informed Practice: Simple, accessible movements (like the "Ha Breath" and "Shaking") to release stored physical tension.
Guided Relaxation: Evidence-based techniques to improve sleep quality, reduce burnout, and manage anxiety.
Clinical Foundation: Understand the work of Dr. Richard P. Brown and Dr. Patricia Gerbarg through recorded sessions.
Recommended reading and listening:
Richard P. Brown and Patricia Gerbarg, The Healing Power of the Breath.
Your BBM Retreat Weekend includes:
12-hour weekend workshop with Mandy Brinkley, Level 4 BBM teacher.
BBM Fundamentals Manual.
Recorded presentations by the founders of BBM Richard Brown, MD and Patricia Gerbarg, MD.
Delicious, local 3 course lunch at the Quinta.
Is this a BBM™ Teacher Training Pre-requisite?
This fundamentals retreat weekend is a practical immersion into BBM. It is not a breathwork training and you do not need to want to become a teacher to attend.
However, for those wishing to pursue BBM teacher training, this is a pre-requisite to the Level 1 Instructor course. You can read about the BBM Training levels here.
Already completed the BBM™ Fundamentals?
Integration is key to mastering these practices. If you have previously completed a 12-hour Breath-Body-Mind™ Fundamentals course (with Mandy or another certified teacher), we invite you to join us at a special Refresher Rate.
This is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your personal practice, reconnect with the BBM community, and refine your techniques in the restorative environment of the Azores. Please note: You will need to provide the date/teacher of your previous Fundamentals course when booking.
Cost:
€333 – Early Bird (before 1 April 2026)
€388 – Full Price (after 1 April 2026)
€222 – Refresher Rate (For returning Fundamentals students)
Cancellations are subject to a €88 administrative fee. Cancellations after 1 May 2026 are non-refundable.
The weekend is non-residential but you can enquire about staying on-site or book into one of the many places nearby.
Getting there:
Your weekend workshop will be based at Quinta Minuvida in São Miguel island, Azores.
Ponta Delgada is the airport.
Azores Airlines and TAP Portugal offer regular flights from Boston.
From Europe, Ryanair offers low-cost fares from London and Lisbon. Many other charter companies operate from Germany and other destinations, as does Azores Airlines
Transport Service
If you are interested in an airport transfer, please indicate when booking. The cost is 30€ each way (60€ total) as a maximum.
Alternatively you can take a taxi or hire a car and drive to Quinta Minuvida. Please note that unless also staying at Quinta Minuvida you cannot use their carpark and parking is on Rua de S. João only (the main street). We will provide directions.
BBM in the Financial Times
In a recent feature on breathwork, The Financial Times highlighted the profound impact of the Breath-Body-Mind™ (BBM) program. Dr. Guy Fincham shared that while other methods helped, "true healing" began with the slower-paced practices of Dr. Richard Brown and Dr. Patricia Gerbarg.
“It was about accessing these states of deep relaxation, activating my parasympathetic nervous system – just taking off layers of stress,” says Fincham.
What People Say about BBM Fundamentals, Retreats and Classes:
“I enjoyed the experiential learning pieces, and the coherent breathing was so calming and soothing thank you so much. Having two instructors was nice to be able to see different instruction types: as well”. GG
“Very deep connection and nourishment for your mind, heart and soul. Absolutely recommend it! Give yourself a gift of quality time with your true self”. JV
“The retreat was just what I needed to reconnect to my BBM practice. The exercises were presented in a well-paced and easy-going manner. I felt the retreat served as a much-needed time-out from daily distractions. I highly recommend it”. SS
“Having practised yoga for over 20 years and engaged with other eastern wellness practices, it is refreshing to find something that offers a simple connection to the breath which has always been such a powerful personal experience”. DSA
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Breath-Body-Mind™ (BBM)? It is an evidence-based program using breath, movement, and meditation to rapidly reduce stress and improve resilience.
Do I need prior experience? No. This workshop is open to all levels, from beginners to experienced practitioners.
Is this workshop trauma-informed? Yes. BBM is a globally recognized trauma-sensitive practice used in disaster relief and clinical settings.
Spaces are limited to just 9 people.