About Us

This new initiative brings together elements of training and projects that were previously developed within The Shoreline Consultancy, and many of the activities of the charity Conversare, whose aim was to ‘create & support spiritual conversation’.

The early development of the approach that has culminated in this venture, is eloquently explained in Mark Davis’s book ‘Walking on the Shore’, which he published in 2002.

The principal personnel based at the Breathing Spaces offices are:-

Mark Davis – Director and Principal Facilitator

Sue Brown – Lead Facilitator & General Manager

Christine Anderson – Facilitator & Part-time Research Assistant

We also have a network of Associate Trainers/Facilitators that operate right across the UK and Ireland.

of conversation...

At the heart of our approach is a renewed understanding of ‘conversation’ as a model of graceful communication — this can be described as:

a mutual exploration of ideas, beliefs, values and meanings..

a meeting of hearts and minds where personal truth is shared and exchanged..

a place of safety where whatever is considered important has the opportunity to be spoken without fear of judgement, ridicule or recrimination…

an occasion of loving attention where whatever is said is received, reverenced and acknowledged..

an interpersonal journey, undertaken by friends, who are prepared to be changed by what they may subsequently discover..

a breathing space...

Conversation of this quality cannot be forced but what can be provided is a suitable environment in which it can take place. Such an environment we are calling a ‘breathing space’ - a term that expresses both a sense of relief and a desire to stop and reflect away from the business of life.

The marks of a true breathing space include:

Personal freedom.

Attentive, respectful listening.

Openness to the perspective of others.

Exploration and discovery.

Recognition of the transcendent dimension to human life.