Breathwork is a modality in which the participant intentionally changes their natural pattern of breathing to facilitate physical, emotional mental and energetic healing. For the context of a group breathwork sessions, you will be taught and guided to use a breathing technique that is done through inhaling and exhaling through the mouth while consciously working with the diaphragm. Think slow, long and deep breathing into the lower part of the abdomen.

This specific technique is used for

• Inhaling and exhaling longer than your normal, resting breath

• Activating the parasympathetic nervous system which is the body’s “rest and digest” state

• Relaxing the mind and body by slowing down the heart rate

• Accessing the subconscious mind which contains our memories, emotions and where trauma is stored

A breathwork class will last approximately 75 minutes. The class is designed in three parts: intention, breathing, and integration.

The class opens with a specific theme for the breathwork journey and an opportunity to set a specific intention your personal experience.

The breathing portion of the class will be done laying down with eyes closed or an eye mask (optional) and will be guided with verbal instructions and cues as well as a musical soundtrack. The breathwork technique will be done in 5-10 minutes at a time with rest and normal breathing in between each round.

The integration is intentional time and space set for processing, reflecting and sharing what you experienced.

There is research and published information that suggests breathwork is effective for physical and mental relaxation, anxiety and stress reduction with positive effects on one’s overall sense of well being. Many people report an increased sense of peace and emotional clarity after sessions. It is common for people to have transformative experiences that create lasting relief of trauma symptoms.

Breathwork is a way to access altered states of consciousness, similar but not the same as a plant medicine or psychedelic experience. While breathwork has no detrimental side effects, there are some guidelines that can support a safe experience

• Being honest with what you are currently experiencing, engaging in breathwork while coping with intense stress or emotional triggers can overwhelm the nervous system and prevents healing. Capacity for self-care is necessary for doing breathwork safely.

• Use of mind altering substances prior or during the breathwork class intensifies the experience and can lead to adverse effects and significantly increases the risk for a psychospiritual crisis. Doing more in this case can do more harm than help.

• Intention and integration are the two biggest ways to engage in inner work safely and responsibly. Being clear with yourself on your intention for breathwork and devoting time for self-care, rest and integration support your process.

I have been a breathwork practitioner for over 10 years and a facilitator for the last 4 years. My personal practices has included Holotropic breathwork, various conscious and transpersonal breathwork styles. It is through my personal practice I began healing deep rooted patterns of stress and dysfunction as well as symptoms of PTSD.

In the last year I’ve shifted my faciltation style to include somatic support work to support safe emotional processing and energetic releasing. Many mainstream breathwork classes guide people to have big, intense experiences without a foundation of safety in the body which can lead to re-traumatization and overall feeling of being ungrounded.

I also intentionally create space within the breathwork journey for people to rest and periods of silence that allow internal guidance to form between you and your breath. The breath is the medicine, the source of wisdom and the inner fire, my role as a facilitator is to guiding and supporting the experience.