We breathe 22,000 times a day, often unconsciously, but breathwork is the practice of consciously controlling our breath. By doing so, we can bypass the mind and enter into different states of awareness quickly, allowing us to explore parts of our subconscious that are not easily accessible without this practice.
What Exactly is Breathwork, and How Do You Do It?
Breathwork refers to various techniques that control the speed and force of the breath, how long we hold it, and whether we hold it on the inhale or exhale. Each technique produces a unique effect. While practicing breathwork, sensations in the body arise, along with thoughts, feelings, memories, and patterns that are often not aligned with love and self-love. Unprocessed trauma, both big and small, can get trapped in the body. As the book The Body Keeps the Score explains, breathwork provides an opportunity to release energy that has been stored in the body or the energetic system.
Working with a trained breathwork facilitator can also help you reframe old thought patterns and programs running in your subconscious mind.
How is Breathwork Different from Meditation?
Meditation is about increasing awareness of how you operate. It encourages you to observe your breath without manipulating it. On the other hand, breathwork is an active form of meditation where you use breathing techniques to alter your mood or mind state, shutting down your monkey mind.
While meditation is an essential practice for self-reflection, helping you gain insight into your thoughts and perspective over time, many people seek quicker relief. That’s where breathwork excels—it offers a shift in consciousness in as little as one session.
What is the Monkey Mind?
The "monkey mind" is a term originating from Buddha, referring to the inability to quiet the mind when many thoughts, ideas, and worries are swirling around. It's also called the "inner critic," the part of your mind connected to the ego, which often tells you that you can’t do anything right. It stifles creativity and keeps you from moving forward in life.
How Does Breathwork Shut Down the Monkey Mind?
Breathwork helps you disconnect from the monkey mind and reconnect with your body and energy. This elevated state of awareness fosters healing, growth, and expansion. It's an excellent practice when you're seeking immediate feedback, especially during stressful, overwhelming, or off-center moments.
Who Can Benefit from Breathwork?
There's a misconception that healing arts like breathwork are only for those suffering from trauma or mental health issues. While breathwork is highly effective for stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma, it’s also beneficial for those who feel they are doing well but are seeking the next layer of personal growth—love, peace, gratitude, clarity, and insight.
What to Expect from a Breathwork Session
If you're new to breathwork and decide to work with a teacher, here’s what to expect. There are different facilitation styles, but one thing is common: you will actively breathe throughout the session. Your facilitator might guide you with their words or let you have your own experience. The breath will take you where you need to go for the deepest healing possible in that moment.
Throughout the session, you might experience sensations like tingling, warmth, or tightness in certain body parts. Some individuals report seeing colors or images, or receiving downloads and insights. Trust that whatever you experience is what your body needs in that moment. Your body has innate wisdom and intelligence that supports you in releasing what no longer serves you.
Three Reasons Breathwork is So Powerful
Tap into Your Inner KnowingBreathwork taps into your breath’s innate wisdom and life force, guiding you to the healing available for you at that time. There’s no need to think, process, or figure things out after a session—clarity and peace are naturally available to you.
Feel EmpoweredIn a breathwork session, you don't need an external substance. Your breath becomes your source of empowerment. You can receive answers, insights, and freedom from feeling stuck, as well as guidance on what's next for your life and work.
Gain a New Perspective on Life’s ChallengesBreathwork supports challenges such as stress, emotional blocks, anxiety, grief, and more. It promotes feelings of love, peace, clarity, and connection. It also helps release trauma, bringing healing to mental, physical, and emotional blocks. Additionally, breathwork can help you receive insights from ancestors or loved ones who have passed, as well as guidance on personal matters like work, relationships, or health.
Breathwork is a powerful tool for transformation and healing, accessible to anyone looking to reconnect with themselves, release old patterns, and gain clarity in their life’s journey.
For more breath education and tips, follow my blog at www.breatheandconnect.com.au.
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