As the IBF Family, it is with heavy hearts that we share the news that our dear friend, Robin Lawley, passed away on 25 June 2025. It is with deep love and reverence that we honour the life and legacy of Robin Lawley, long-time breathworker, musician, and cherished member of the IBF. Robin was more than a colleague, he was a guiding light, a creative soul, and a true ambassador of conscious breathing and heart-centered connection.
Robin was born and raised in England. He began working professionally with Breathwork and other techniques for individual healing and transformation in 1982,
following a rich career as a musician and music teacher. His path in Breathwork began with professional training under Leonard Orr, the founder of the Rebirthing movement. Robin went on to help establish conscious breathing communities in the UK, Poland, and Italy, serving breathwork as both a spiritual practice and a vehicle for community building. He was a past Co-President of the International Breathwork Foundation (IBF), and until recently,
served as the Workgroup Leader of the Breathing Arts and Newsletter Editor for IBF — roles he fulfilled with great care, creativity, and generosity of spirit.
In his own words: “I
believe that breathwork as a grassroots movement is essential for re-establishing community values and bringing authenticity to our relationships.”
Robin’s unique ability to weave music, breath, and spiritual practice into one harmonious flow touched many of us. He believed, and
demonstrated through his life, that music and breath are both languages of love, joy, and harmony, tools that unite us beyond words. He described his work as heart-centered and integrative, combining bodywork, creative energy, and spiritual presence into a powerful path of personal transformation.
Robin was also a certified Professional Breathwork Practitioner with the Global Professional Breathwork Alliance. Beyond his roles, titles, and training, Robin was a deeply kind soul, someone who gave of himself freely, who infused each meeting with warmth, and who believed in the power of human connection.
He often said: “Maintaining joy and serenity in our daily lives is just as important as any technique we learn.”
As we continue to breathe, to sing, and to build community, may we carry Robin Lawley’s legacy with us, in the music we make, the breath we share, and the love we offer.
With profound gratitude and
love, The IBF Community
🌿 Farewell Gathering for Robin – Saturday, July 12
A farewell gathering will be held for Robin on Saturday, July 12 at 10:00 am (CEST) at his home, together with his daughter, close family,
and dear friends.
This will be a simple and intimate moment, lasting about half an hour, around the urn with his ashes, remember Robin with love, and sing some of his songs together.
💻 For those who wish to join, you are warmly invited via Zoom👇
We know this
comes on short notice, and we appreciate your understanding. A larger memorial celebration is also being lovingly prepared for October 25, at a time that will better accommodate international friends and family.
COLLECTIVE TRIBUTE
The heartfelt messages for Robin’s collective tribute have been
thoughtfully gathered through the latest WGL Council Meeting, as well as through WhatsApp and email contributions from IBF members around the world.
Dear family, With a heavy heart I share that Robin has just left us. I have no words. I embrace each of you. His spirit is wherever there is
breath. Gabriella Ishara
I’m sad to hear the news. Robin joined a Workgroup Leader Council zoom call at the end of May and shared the deep wisdom and transformation
this medical experience had brought to him. It was like Gandalf the Grey had become Gandalf the White. I felt so much light radiating from this emaciated body talking to us from a hospital bed. He was full of spirit and ready to go to rehab, I did not expect his time would come so soon.
My tears of heartache are mixed with so much gratitude for how devoted and generous he was in contributing his gifts to community and the higher good, for
his songs and so many brilliant ideas for new initiatives. He made his life deeply meaningful and will keep inspiring me to do the same.
Vanessa Dietzel
Dear Robin, May your journey be joyful and light. You will always be an essential part of my every GIC.I
cherish the day I met you on my pilgrimage route. With love always.
Brigitte Martin Powell
Dear Robin,
What a great loss you are to us, to me. For our IBF community, where you have invested so
much of your time, energy and love, but also as a personal friend. I love your generosity, your kindness, your spirit. You have been devoted to the breath, to music, to the teachings of the Merkaba, to your daughter and to friendships. So I'm glad that you were my friend. That you shared your dreams and worries with me. We also shared a beautiful journey after the GIC in Yoshua Tree, together with Gabriella and Eva Maria. It was fun, travelling and seeing all those wonderful
places: Yoshua Tree Park, Sedona Park, the Rocky Mountains, staying with Aaron and Lena and their family at their hogan in Marble Canyon, swimming in the Colorado River and Lake Powell, visiting Antelope Canyon and the Horseshoe Bend, such incredible places. A lot of them organised by you.
And over the years your humble, loving but also mischievous presence at the GIC's, so welcoming and patient with
everything that came up. I will miss you my friend, we all will, as you were one of the elders and your wisdom is needed. But I am sure you will guide us from the other side and you will smile upon us. Much love to your daughter, family and dear friends, I am sorry for your loss! A warm embrace to you Robin, in our memories always!
Annette Fehse
Tears and sadness, yet joy mixed in for this powerful lover of life.
Blessed love to Robin’s mighty spirit as he crosses the veil. I send love to you Gabriella and gratitude for being a messenger of love. I’m glad he got to spend the first year of his grandson’s life with him. I pray for ease and support to be with his daughter at this difficult time. Let’s do what we can as a community to check in and support her. Peace, Amen.
Rabie Hayek
I'm deeply grateful that I had the honour to have met Robin. I pray that he dances over the rainbow and sings his wonderful songs. His spirit
will always be a bright light, shining in love, joy and laughter. May he be guided and welcomed in the world of the ancestors. May his family get all the support they need in this time of grief. Krista Gilda Kerner
Dear all. I have known Robin for so long and it’s hard to conceive his body is not with us anymore. His spirit, his wisdom, his laugh, his commitment stay with me. Thank you Robin.
Tilke Platteel-Deur
Robin… oh my God. He was such a vibrant part of the
Communications Team, always involved with the newsletters, the arts, music, and World Breathing Day. He’d joke, “Okay, which hat am I wearing today?” He wore so many hats with such joy and dedication. It was like he knew his destiny. Before he passed, we named Anil as his successor for the newsletter. Robin said, “Maybe I won’t be able to return to it, but now there’s someone to continue.” He left everything in order, so gracefully, as if preparing us all.
The last time I saw you, Robin… I can still feel your spirit. Like Jesus said, “When more than one gathers in Thy name, I am there”—that’s how it feels. Your presence is so real. You shared your smile, your wisdom… and maybe there’s even a recording of you speaking from your hospital bed, smiling and saying, “Everything is
okay.” My beloved Robin, buen viaje. Good journey back into the space where your soul can sing across the universe. You are now an angel for all of us—an IBF Angel. Thank you, Robin, for your presence in this community. Gracias.
Alicia Velazquez
Robin is now flying high, dancing the colors of the rainbow bridge of existence. He is breathing and singing the message of love. May the family be strong in this passage.
Indalecia Rohita
I am so sad with this news. Dear Gabri, thank you so much for sharing Robin’s journey! May him rest in light and peace. We will miss him deeply. Wishing all his loved ones patience and strength.
Nilgul Tavsel
Robin was a loving man, full of enthusiasm. He gave of himself fully in everything he did, including in the way he shared his space… and his heart. I will always remember that last meeting, I believe it was this one, when
I watched the recording. Even from his hospital bed, he was fully present. Despite what he was going through, he remembered his commitment to the IBF with unwavering devotion.
The IBF has lost someone truly extraordinary. His dedication went beyond words, beyond personal effort, he
embodied true service.
I just want to honour him for that. And now, I pray that he rests peacefully…That his transition was smooth and gentle. And as we each await our own transitions, whenever they come. May we, too, find peace within ourselves.
Vincent Oloo
May he be in natural eternal peace and lovingly remembered in our hearts he was a gentleman. With my heartfelt condolences,
John Stamoluos
It saddens me deeply that we won’t see Robin again. I cherish the beautiful workshop I shared with him at the last GIC, his wisdom, joy, and dedication left a lasting impression. Thank you, Robin. We'll meet you in the wind...
I first met him during my debut performance at the GIC in Tenerife 2015, and it was truly special to experience how radiant and kind he was in person. Especially when he was with you—his way of singing, sharing, and making music... it brought me so much joy in that moment.
Just a few weeks ago, I had the chance to see him again now that I'm part of the ET Team. As the contact person for Breathing Arts, I felt honored when Robin chose me for that role. I’m deeply grateful for the connection we built—not only through our work, but also on a soul level. He was so beautiful, so gentle, so pure and kind.
Yes... I will miss him. I will miss him in our meetings, at the GIC, on World Breathing Day, and in all those moments where his joyful presence touched us. But he lives on in all of us. I'm thankful I was able to share some of his private moments—his illness, his declining eyesight, his quiet vulnerability... and so much more. Thank you for trusting me, Robin.
Chris Blomme
This news touches my heart deeply. Have a nice flight back home Robin. Thank you for your dedicated contribution to the IBF. You are a star. We'll miss you at the meetings and at the GIC.
Geert de Vleminck
Dearest Gabri, thank you for being a loving messenger for all of us. Sending love to Robin in his transition.
Agnieszka Korzeniewska
Though I only had the privilege of knowing Robin for a few short months as we began working together on the newsletter and social media, his presence left a deep and lasting impression on me. In that time, he offered generous support, shared his wisdom and ideas with open-hearted kindness, and taught me more
than he likely ever realized. Robin leaves behind a beautiful legacy, his dedication, spirit, and insight will continue to inspire our community. He also left a quiet, indelible mark on my heart. May his gentle soul and the wisdom he carried remain with us, guiding and inspiring. And may he feel, wherever he now journeys, the immense love and gratitude of all the souls who cherished him. His light continues to shine through us, through his work, and through the community he helped
nurture.
Elén Bistina
My dear Robin, I will always keep you in my heart, peace to you and to all.
Marika Grankvist
I'd like to share how I first met Robin at the GIC in Nelson, Canada in 2005. It was my first time to go the Global Inspiration Conference. My abiding memory how we both recognised each other as Shiatsu soulmates and we used to meet in the mornings and exchange. Some years later, I can't remember, we offered Shiatsu together as an early
morning activity. My memory is of Robin this gentle giant, an English-speaking Italian with such an open heart, who having just met me immediately treated me as a friend and “Voila” we connected.
My last and everlasting memory of Robin is when he joined the Workgroup Leader Council meeting, from his hospital bed! I felt that he was in such a state of love. And it was a gift for me to have him on the Zoom call and his absolute sense of presence. In spite
of his environment and the medical setup, he wanted to attend the meeting and see us all. For me it was a true gift of himself to us in that meeting. And I don't think I'll ever forget the feeling I had from him when he spoke to us. So that's my first and last memory of Robin. Fly high beautiful soul. Claire Haugh
Dear Robin, I will always keep you in my heart, peace to you and to all.
Wilfried Ehrmann
Dear Robin, As you cross the Sacred Rainbow Bridge, I reminisce on the moment I met you in Canada at the 2006 GIC. Today we honour your life,
your creativity, your love for the Sacred Spirit of Breath. From the Merkabah to your music, from World Breathing Day to Breathing Arts. A great world asset has decided to continue somewhere else. Wishes for strength and fortitude for his daughter. Imagine we would write letters to his grandson with highlights of who Robin was and on his impact and amazing contributions to this world. I wave you good-bye with tears in my eyes.
Blanca Maria Lagunaz Müller
I’m so saddened by the news of our dear Robin’s passing. His beautiful smile and laugh and his can-do spirit will be missed. Prayers, love and Light to dear Robin on your beautiful journey home.
Lauren Chelec
Meeting Robin has been one of the most enriching parts of my IBF journey. His gentle wisdom, warm presence, and constant encouragement shaped how I see communication, not just as information sharing, but as heart-sharing. I feel
very lucky for that. Every time I work on the IBF newsletters, I feel Robin’s smile and wisdom with me. When I talked to him last time on the phone- this was one day before he went to hospital- he showed me his beautiful garden and told me how happy he was with his daughter and grandchild. I could see it directly in his smiling eyes. I will miss him a lot as a mentor, as a friend, as a musician, as a sharing and caring person. His spirit continues to guide and inspire my life and my
breath.
Anil Altas Brug
Oh that’s sad news indeed. Rest in peace lovely Robin. He was always kind hearted. We will miss him and his songs at our GIC’s. Sending Robin’s family lots of love.
Nadia
Guido
I met Robin in The GIC in Turkey and he was a president of the IBF back then. I loved his openness, spirit and willingness to share and offer. It was under his presidency that I became an NR. We got to create years later an open
breathe faith in his famous Arts. I will for sure miss him in presence. I know his essence remains with us.
Matoula Piscopani
Robin, you have been deeply loved and will be deeply missed. Keep singing for us from behind the veil.
Ana Berenguer
Taking slow breaths and connecting to his Spirit as he passes on. I see him dancing like nobody's watching
with his trademark cheeky smile. He remains so deeply loved in every breath and step that he takes. I will miss him so much.
Pippa Wheble
Oh so dear breath family - this is such a loss to our community. Robin’s steadfast intelligence, consistent kindness, and joyous spirit and example touched and inspired so many of us deeply. Godspeed Robin - may your spirit soar
now free of the suffering of the body !More than ever, I am so grateful to have the companionship of this extraordinary group of wonderful humans that come together to share the Breath and all it is- We are all just walking each other home . Blessed be ! Adela Barcia
Deeply sad upon receiving the news of Robins passing. Memories of connection, co-creation, dances and sharing friendship are filling my heart. You will be missed dear friend.
Griet Verstraete
Oh dear dear brother Robin, I can hear your gentle voice leading us singing at the GIC. You are a good man. Dreaming of a better world for us all. 'Imagine all the people living life in peace. You, you may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one.' Surely you are a dreamer Robin!
Around the time of your passing I was in the middle of writing you back on our chat from this week. I wrote: 'I sense there are incredible unseen ancestors and angelic healers who are surrounding you with so much love and care
right now. You are so surrounded by love from all over the world. ' Now I see this is so true! Luc lit a candle for you at the church of Santiago de Compostella on his last day of his month-long pilgrimage. You lived a good life and lived from your heart. I will miss you my beloved friend. Tender Prayers up for your daughter and grandson and all who love you.
JoAnn Lowell
I am deeply saddened and still in disbelief… such a beautiful, pure soul — full of love, sincerity, and
creativity. His presence radiated clarity, integrity, and a quiet strength that touched others. "na jāyate mriyate vā kadācin nāyaṁ bhūtvā bhavitā vā na bhūyaḥ ajo nityaḥ śāśvato ’yaṁ purāṇo na hanyate hanyamāne śarīre" (Bhagavad
Gita 2.20) The soul is never born, nor does it ever die. It is eternal, ever-existing, and primeval. It is not slain when the body is slain. My heartfelt condolences and humble pranam to this noble soul. May he walk gently into the loving light, embraced by peace, moving onward in his journey towards liberation...Om Shanti... Namah Shivaya...Jai Shree Krishna Dr. Sanghamitra
Sau Sengupta
I checked in on Robin after his passing; we connected. He was in his late thirties, laughing--and there was a sense of him helping us from there. We joked about him helping (from the other side) at IBF. Our interaction was super short. It was clear he
crossed over quickly. I also saw the energy, love and light of all of us. He said how that helped him transition immediately. So, that was cool. When it was over, I was expecting grief but rather I felt happy and excited after this; I liked that he was here.
Ashira Well
If you feel called to continue Robin’s work in the
IBF Breathing Arts Workgroup,
please contact us. Let us keep his vision alive, together.
