From Free Diving To Yoga: How Kerry Ferguson Found Peace On Land

#186 - What if the deepest calm you’ve ever felt could follow you out of the water and into everyday life? That’s the spark of our conversation with Kerry Ferguson, founder of Yoga Tree, whose path from free diving to yoga reveals how breath, mindfulness, and compassion can reshape how we move through the world.We trace Kerry's arc from early wellness choices and Outward Bound grit to anatomy labs, massage rooms, and a turning point in the Bahamas where breath control under pressure became a doorway to peace. Back in Tennessee, she helped a community discover yoga as sanctuary, even holding space on a day of national grief. Kerry shares a clear, practical technique—sit tall, breathe through the nose, expand the belly on inhale, and extend exhale to twice the length—to quiet anxiety and teach the nervous system to trust you again. Her approach demystifies meditation, inviting you to watch thoughts like clouds until the sky clears.Travel is a thread that binds it all together. Kerry leads mindful retreats in Greece and beyond, where mornings begin on the mat and days unfold with local food, culture, and unhurried conversations. These aren’t just vacations; they’re immersive practices in presence, from family-run kitchens to sunset meditations. We also dig into yoga’s evolution in the West—why the pendulum swung toward fitness and why many are now returning to philosophy, chanting, and stillness. Kerry’s stories, including a powerful moment from a silent retreat in Dharamshala, remind us that our quiet can steady someone else’s storm.If you’re seeking anxiety relief, mind-body tools, or a more intentional way to travel, this conversation will meet you where you are and nudge you toward where you want to be. Listen, breathe with us, and if it resonates, share the episode, subscribe, and leave a review so more people can find their way back to calm.To learn more about Kerry and Yoga Tree check out her website www.myyogatree.com and give her a follow on Instagram @myyogatree.Want to be a guest on Journey with Jake? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/journeywithjake Xploreum connects you with authentic wilderness expeditions led by trusted local experts. Browse real adventures, book directly with experienced guides, and get $200 off your first trip using code HumanAdventure2026 at xploreum.io/humanadventure.