Mind & Body with
Yoga · Mindfulness · Meditation
The Sword Swallowing Yogi
Bill Berry is a three-time world champion juggler and Guinness World Record-holding sword swallower, who's worked as a professional entertainer for over 20 years. Now a reformed adrenaline junkie and a certified yoga instructor, Bill uses his 10,000 hours of experience exploring the mind-body connection to improve and evolve his yoga practice.
Workshops & Experiences
Explore immersive workshops designed to expand your awareness, build mastery, and ignite your potential.
Controlling The Body and Mind
Originally developed for the 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training program at Bella Prana Yoga and Meditation in Tampa Florida. This 2 hour workshop is a deep dive into what is possible when we master ourselves through focus and breath. Drawing from Patanjali's 8 limbs, the workshop offers a practical look at the deeper exploration of the fifth limb, Pratyahara, along with exercises for breaking down the barriers that keep us from exploring our deeper practice.
Introduction to Fire Handling: Igniting Your Potential
Are you ready to transform your relationship with the element of fire? This isn’t just a lesson; it’s a high-energy masterclass in overcoming the body’s natural resistance and replacing fear with calm and precision. Under the expert guidance of world-record-holder Mr. Bill Berry, you’ll master the fundamentals of fire handling—from seamless transfers and controlled extinguishments to the technical “mind-over-matter” protocols that keep you safe.
Guided Meditation Experience
Find a quiet place where you will not be interrupted. Remember, you can only experience something for the first time once. Take a moment to settle in, relax your body, and allow yourself to fully immerse in the meditation. Avoid skipping ahead, and simply allow the experience to unfold naturally.
"I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated Bill Berry's Controlling the Body and Mind Workshop. He explains the mind-body connection and how he has applied these principles in his life — from managing his cardiac condition to controlling his breath/gag reflex in sword swallowing. I recommend this workshop for anyone interested in how the mind and body are uniquely intertwined."
Shelly Welch Holmstrom
I can't imagine the Bella Prāṇa Collective without Bill! His ability to blend humor, soulfulness, wisdom, and joy is mind-blowing. Whether you are hanging on the edge of every word in a wild story, or sitting there, jaw dropped open while watching him defy physical boundaries, you know one thing - you want more! His teachings and workshop experiences are some of the best in the world, and I'm not exaggerating. It's never been so easy to brag on someone as it is on my friend Bill. Whether you check out an event, read one of his books, or have the pleasure of a conversation, you will walk away feeling inspired. Because if someone like him exists, what new thing can you do too?
Bill, thank you for being a part of our community and our lives. We are a smarter and wilder bunch for it!
Roni Elissabeth Harris
Founder & Owner, Bella Prāṇa Wellness Collective
"
My hope is to help others level up their practice, deepen the mind body connection, take the helm of their own ship, and learn to flip the switch on the internal voice.
"
— Bill Berry
The Journey
My yoga journey began when I was four years old after I was assigned to cardiologist, Dr. Raja Singham. He was born in Sri Lanka, a region with a strong yogic tradition. And as he grew, he pursued medicine. But shortly after he began to practice, civil war broke out in his country, so he immigrated to the US.
Having been diagnosed with a serious case of proximal atrial tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), I'd been placed in his care. Dr. Raja used his skills as a medical practitioner, as well as his understanding of yoga, to save my life. In addition to the regiment of medications, he taught me meditation and breathing techniques. Eventually, with practice, I learned to control my heart rate.
He never called it yoga, and being a child, I didn't know that he'd blended his knowledge of Western medicine with his understanding of Eastern philosophy in order to create a treatment for me. What I do know is that what he'd taught me worked. And that whenever I was successful with the techniques, I could avoid a trip to the emergency room.
Under his teaching and oversight, I eventually grew to be a healthy young man. Against all odds, I went on to become a world champion juggler and sword swallower. Then traveled the world as a performer, eventually visiting 80+ countries.
Workshops & Offerings
Come Practice with Me
In-person, virtual, at festivals and retreats — transformative experiences rooted in ancient practice and modern courage.
Our Services
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1 US dollar
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1 US dollar
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$5
Read MoreA focused, private session held at the St. Pete Micro Farm (or virtually) for individuals seeking a
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$750
Read MoreA comprehensive package focused on building a finished product. Includes professional scriptwriting,
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$1,500
Quieting the Mind
This is a free sample of the "Quieting the Mind" meditation exercise. Before listening please ensure that you have 20 uninterrupted minutes available at a quiet and comfortable place to practice.
Very Important
Experience with a blank slate. If for the first time, do not fast forward, do not pause, and if possible do not interrupt the meditation. Listening more than once is very beneficial, but the first time is most powerful.
