What Exactly is Breathwork?
I know what you’re probably thinking, “Alex, I’m alive, I breathe every day. What is so special about this breathwork thing you are always talking about?”
Photo by Greg Rakozy on Unsplash
On the surface, breathwork might seems a little “woo”. And, while I definitely embrace more of what I call the “hippy-dippy shit”, but breathwork is FAR from it. You are absolutely right; you naturally breathe every day. You actually take about 20,000 breaths per day! For many of us, we are not breathing correctly and only take in the necessary amount of oxygen to survive. We overlook the true essence of each breath, the life force that it really is, and how we can shift from surviving to thriving mentally, emotionally, and physically when we start to utilize the full power of the breath.
The breath is the only automatic and controlled system within our body, which means we can control our breathing process and we will continue to breathe without consciously thinking about it. This is what makes the breath so beautiful and unique, and why breathwork is so powerful.
With breathwork, we control our breath and circulate each inhale and exhale in a continuous and intentional pattern. When we breathe with such intention we are able to break down emotions in our body that may be stagnant or stuck causing chaos in our nervous system and therefore in our lives.
Feel like yelling at your kids? Maybe you always feel like you’re at an emotional breaking point or are constantly triggered by a certain situation? Or, are you feeling so stress, anxious, and overwhelmed, but can’t move through it? All of this depletes us and causes energy to become or continue to be stuck within our nervous system. It is unprocessed stress and trauma that is causing you to show up in a way that is possibly undesirable. When we tune into the breath and use it in such an intentional way, we are able to process through that stagnant energy and as a result, are able to show up as the person we desire to be.
Practicing breathwork regularly allows our nervous system to take a breath (no pun intended). We can gain a new perspective through this practice and begin to gain a deeper connection with our body, where our innate wisdom is stored. And, there is so much more possible through a regular breathwork practice:
Immediate stress reduction & anxiety relief
Connect with your emotions and your response to them
Provides an energetic release
Revitalizes your organs
More energy & mental clarity
Release trauma that may be stuck in your nervous system
The different forms of Breathwork
There are two different ways to practice breathwork. The first is called integrative breathwork. This practice consists of anywhere from 1 minute up to 10 minutes and it is something that you can do within your daily routine. Integrative breathwork is all about instant relaxation.
Try it now… Seriously, pause for a moment and try it!
Find a quiet space and close your eyes
Give yourself a few moments to settle in
Without changing anything, notice your natural breath
Then, when you’re ready, breathe in through your nose for a count of 6 and exhale out of your mouth for a count of 6. Repeating this cycle 10 times.
Do you feel that shift in your system? Maybe it’s a release of emotions or a sigh of relief from your body for taking a moment to slow down or feeling like you’ve reset and can conquer a difficult challenge (anyone ready to fold some laundry or do dishes?!). Whatever that shift is for you, you did that by simply tuning into and using the power of your breath to your advantage.
Now, imagine doing that (and wayyy more) as a regular breathwork practice. Doing nothing more than slowing down to tune into your body and learning different ways to intentionally breathe. Your emotional state will begin to shift, you’ll feel more grounded and resourced, deeper healing will begin, and you’ll transform your life.
That all brings me to the second practice! Meditative breathwork. These sessions are 20 minutes up to 3 hours long. Because I take a trauma-conscious approach, every session is done in a titrated way to create sustainable transformation. During these sessions, we are able to dive deeper into our healing through our breath. We detach from our minds and connect with our bodies. Using the breath to clear the unhelpful energy from our nervous system. Helping to uncover your true self and to be able to show up in your life as the best version of yourself.
Breathwork is healing. Breathwork is transformative. Breathwork is a journey home to yourself. If you’re wanting to stop existing and are ready to start living, tap into the power of your breath. You’ll be amazed at what you’ll uncover.
Give breathwork a shot with my FREE 5-day challenge and see the impact this work truly has!