Everything is Personal

The Trauma Code: Turning Pain Into Purpose

Episode Summary

Guest: Elijah Nisenboim, founder of Effiji Breath In this powerful episode of Everything Is Personal, Len May sits down with Elijah Nisenboim, breathwork pioneer, teacher, and founder of Effiji Breath—to explore how trauma isn’t just a wound to heal but a code to unlock. Elijah shares his transformational journey from learning breathwork in Toronto in 1991, to co-founding The Grove Center in San Francisco, to developing his own modality—Effiji Breath—after a spiritual awakening in Glastonbury. We trace his roots through Tai Chi, Qigong, and the sacred internal arts of China, blending ancient practice with modern healing. Discover: The evolution of breathwork from therapy to transformation How Effiji Breath peels back the masks we wear to reveal authentic truth The surprising way technology has helped expand healing access post-Covid Why Elijah believes breath is the first and last key to emotional freedom This isn’t just about breathing—it’s about becoming. Tune in and decode the trauma within.

Episode Notes

Chapters: 00:00 – Intro 

02:00 – Trauma vs. Purpose: Two Types of People 

06:30 – The Fingerprint Code: A Map Before You’re Born 

10:45 – The Real Hero’s Journey (It’s Not What You Think) 

15:00 – Conditioning vs. Trauma: Which One Shapes You More? 

22:40 – From Music to Healing: A Personal Story of Transition 

29:00 – Discovering Effiji Breathwork 

34:30 – The Science and Soul of Breath 

38:20 – Why Your Breath Is More Than Just Oxygen 

42:00 – Resistance, the Mind, and Transformation 

47:30 – Music, Frequency & Healing in Breath Sessions 

54:15 – Daily Practices: 3-Minute Breath Reset 

56:45 – Breathwork vs. Meditation 

59:30 – Why We All Need a Guide or Teacher 

1:05:00 – Concerts, Influence, and Musical Reflections 

1:09:00 – Where to Learn More and Final Words