Founder of Conscious Breathing

Hi, I’m Anders Olsson. Over 15 years ago, I made a life-changing decision—to become an expert in something most of us never think twice about: our breathing. What sparked this journey? A restless mind. My whole life, I had lived with mental noise and tension. Along the way, I discovered tools that helped me calm down and reconnect with myself—and none were more powerful than improving my daily breathing habits.

I’ve been fortunate that this journey has received international recognition. I was featured in the New York Times bestseller Breath by James Nestor, and I’ve also had the opportunity to give a TEDx talk in Chicago about the power of breathing. So far, more than 1,500 people around the world have taken our Conscious Breathing Instructor Course.

From Outer Success to Inner Emptiness

I started my first company in 1990, importing computers from Taiwan. By 2005, I had sold the business and achieved the success I thought I wanted. I had the money, the gadgets, and the lifestyle. Yet, inside I felt drained, overworked—and strangely empty. A quiet but persistent voice inside kept saying, “There must be something more.”

So I listened. That same year, I started a health company, Sorena AB. I translated several health books into Swedish, including Your Body’s Many Cries for Water, The Maffetone Method, and The Biology of Belief. Translating these books became a powerful learning experience—and soon I stumbled upon a topic that would become my true passion: the breath.

A New Path: The Power of Breathing

I dove headfirst into the science and practice of breathing. I experimented with techniques, read every book I could find, and studied yoga, qigong, the Buteyko Method, mental training, and body awareness. Slowly, the Conscious Breathing Method began to take shape—blending ancient wisdom with modern insights and scientific research, grounded in my own transformation and the feedback of thousands of students and skilled doctors, therapists, and other professionals.

The Breath Changed My Life

The biggest change? I began to live more truthfully. I started being who I really am—not who I thought I should be. That journey inward has been the most rewarding adventure of my life, and it’s one I wish for everyone.

When I gave my first Conscious Breathing course in 2010, at a time when few people were interested in breathing, just one person showed up. Two came to the next one. Still, I knew I was on the right path. I even sold my house to support this mission. For six full years, I couldn't afford to take out a salary. I lived on savings while I studied, refined the method, and slowly built the foundation for what Conscious Breathing has become today.

Two weeks before that first course, my father passed away unexpectedly after struggling for several weeks on a ventilator. His lungs had collapsed. He was only 68. He had always been my greatest supporter. Watching him struggle to breathe was heartbreaking. If I had known then what I know now, maybe I could have helped. That loss deepened my motivation to understand everything I could about the breath—and to share this knowledge with others.

Today, tens of thousands of people have improved their health and quality of life by doing something seemingly as simple as improving how they breathe.

How My Life Has Changed Through Conscious Breathing:

Here are some of the most important ways my life has changed:

Better Health

I rarely get sick anymore. When I do, I see it as a sign that my body needs rest and reflection. Illness, even a mild cold, is now an opportunity for insight and growth.

Greater Kindness to My Body

I used to treat my body as a machine to carry out my brain’s demands. Now it’s my best friend. "We" mainly do things we truly enjoy and that feel good.

More Courage, Less Fear

Fear used to dictate my life. Today, I’m rarely afraid of death, failure, financial problems, embarrassment, or what others think. My breath is always there for me—a faithful friend to lean on in any situation.

Greater Sense of Freedom

I have found an inner strength where it has become easier for me to deal with daily challenges. I rarely feel ruled by sugar cravings, stress, anger, stop-watch, or other old patterns. It’s a huge sense of freedom to be able to choose my response to incoming stimuli to a far greater extent, and to no longer be a “slave” to old habits and imprinted behaviors.

Deeper Relationships

I can better understand where others are coming from. I’m less judgmental and more curious. My breathing helps me stay calm and connected, even in difficult moments.

Clearer Inner Guidance

When I need to make a decision, I turn to my breath. A slow, rhythmic, prolonged exhale helps me move from thinking to feeling—from logic to intuition. I trust my inner guide more deeply than ever before.

Conscious Breathing—A Spiritual Journey, One Breath at a Time

Years ago, I would have dismissed anything I couldn’t explain with logic. Meditation felt impossible. But I always sensed there was more. Focusing on my breath gave me access to that “more.” It has opened the door to growth, insight, and spiritual connection.

Even the words inspiration and expiration remind us that breathing and spirit are deeply linked. With each breath, re-spiration, we reconnect to something deeper—something real. Low, slow, rhythmic, nasal breathing habits help us grow—not just physically, but as whole human beings, which for me is the same as spiritual growth.

People who attend our courses share similar experiences. Better breathing builds confidence, eases conflict, and gives them the courage to live authentically. When we dare to be ourselves, we give others permission and inspire them to do the same.

Some Important Events in My Life

I’ve become a daddy twice and live in a loving relationship. I’m very grateful for this, as it has enriched my life on many levels. That said, I’d also like to share a few other important events that shaped me in profound ways.

They’ve helped me realize:

Some of those moments include:

What Guides Me

I’m not religious in the traditional sense, but drawn more to spirituality than the rules, ceremonies, and procedures found in traditional religions. To me, spirituality means harmony, freedom, community, and connection with my inner guidance. These are the values that guide my life:

Join the Journey

Working with my breath has made me a healthier, freer, and more grounded human being. I hope my story, the testimonials, CO2 Academy, and our courses and products inspire you to explore what your breath can do for you.

Together, we’re changing the world—one breath at a time.

Thank you for your time

/Anders

Finally, I’d like to share two of my favourite quotes, written by the Persian poet Rumi and the English Nobel laureate Rudyard Kipling.