All about breathwork!

Please keep this in mind as you prepare for a session: only what you are ready to experience will arrive during a session. No matter what comes up, you will be held with energetic and grounding support. In group spaces, we will be sharing intention and experience - this creates a unique blend of energy and it is not a mistake that you are in this group, at this time. Remember if there is an activation or something that confronts you or is bringing resistance, stay curious - there may be a lesson or a reason.

You get to choose: your pace, your depth, your level of activation. Everything I say is an invitation but remember, your body is the first cue, I am the second. Learning to listen to the body is an important step that we often override in our day to day life.

For meditative sessions you must be fully supported for the duration of the session, laying down or reclined is preferred. See below for common physical reactions.

Setting yourself up for success should include; not eating one to two hours prior, using the restroom just before beginning, wearing comfortable clothing, making sure you will be uninterrupted for the duration of the session. Think comfort, bringing in anything that would raise your levels of safety and coziness throughout. While not necessary, this could include; lip balm, blankets, eye mask, essential oils, crystals, a journal, airpods, a flat pillow for the shoulders and head or under the knees, etc.

***In person: if you are joining in-person, please also bring a mat, towel, or blanket to lay on, water, a journal and pen/pencil, and anything from above that will bring you comfort and support.

During the session, you may have various responses whether emotional, physical, mental or spiritual in nature.

You may experience any and all emotions, it is best to practice witnessing and observing rather than becoming the emotions or needing to make meaning of them. You may also have little emotional response and simply feel more peace and relaxation. Practice observing anything and all that comes up.

Physical responses to breathwork may include but are not limited to; temperature shifts, tingling, sensual and sexual arousal, light-headedness, and tetany. Tetany is a contraction in the muscles, most commonly the hands, mouth, and feet, that occurs as the PH level between O2 and CO2 shifts in the body, it is perfectly safe and normal, particularly if you’re new to breathwork. It naturally releases on its own. You can slow or release the breath (and come back to your natural breathing) at any time to bring yourself more comfort. The effects are not permanent.

Also, no response and resistance are welcome. They are often edges where the body is using a strategy to keep us safe. This is a process of building safety & self-trust with ourselves.

Titration is key. When we have stored trauma, stress, and overwhelm in the body we must temper the pace and allow for our systems to regulate as to not flood or re-traumatize the body. Recognize and then resist the urge to overstimulate (or over breathe to force yourself to get a bigger result or transformation). Often we try to go too much, too fast, or too hard when going slow and steady and at the pace dictated by our own body (not the mind) is what we need.

Post-session recommendations:

• Go slowly and gently

• Rest! Your body just accomplished something, allow yourself a break to return to homeostasis and relaxation. Sleep if that is the desire.

• Having/creating space and time after breathwork to be with, journal, meditate on any material that came up or through for you. Grounding practices, movement, humming, and creating help in the integration.

• Nourishing and hydrating yourself with good foods and plenty of water.

• You may notice emotional or physical responses in the coming hours or days, give yourself time to integrate and practice compassion and patience with yourself.

• Practice rituals that support you.

• Reach out if you need support.