THIS WILL BE A SLIGHTLY SHORTER THAN USUAL CLASS. IF YOU HAVE NEVER DONE BREATHWORK BEFORE PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO LOGGING ON.
Breathwork is an active style of meditation practice. Using a 3 part Pranayama Breathwork technique, we'll actively breath through held patterns of tension in the body, connecting deeply and directly with our felt experience of being alive so that we can shift and clear mental states that aren't serving us. Creating space for and connecting with the fullness of our human experience- the parts that we like and the parts that we don't- is part of living the full spectrum of life.
Breathwork practices allow us to temporarily bypass the ego and thinking mind, stepping out of the stories of the future and the past. This can help empty out the complexity of our lived experiences. When we're able to create the space to be with whatever is arising- we'll see that it also passes. This insight helps us learn to trust our embodied wisdom and allow this natural process to become part of our lives.
THE NEW YEARS EVE CLASS IS OFFERED BY DONATION.
Contraindications: pregnancy, cardiovascular problems, significantly high blood pressure, major psychiatric conditions, recent surgery, acute infectious illness or epilepsy. Asthma is not generally considered a contraindication but the participants inhaler must be available.
HOW TO SETUP YOUR SPACE FOR A VIRTUAL BREATHWORK SESSION
You will want to have a quiet, private, uninterrupted space for your Breathwork session. Make sure any partners, roommates, kids, or pets give you space for your session.
You are going to want to lay down flat (on the bed/couch/floor) with room to completely stretch out. You are going to be laying down breathing for about 55 minutes so make sure you have adequate padding underneath your body to be comfortable.
You will want to be in a receptive body posture with arms and legs uncrossed. Ideally you will have nothing under the neck so your throat will be nice and open. You can have a thin pillow or a folded blanket under the neck but try to avoid a bulky pillow.
A blanket is great to have on top of you or nearby. Body temperatures can fluctuate during Breathwork.
For the breathing portion, you’ll need to set up your device so that you are comfortable lying down and I will be able to see you from the waist up when you are breathing. It’s always a good idea to test that set up out before our session.
Also, please do ‘click in’ to the Zoom meeting 5-10 minutes before our start time so you are all set with the technology. Once the class starts, I will not be able to help you individually with tech issues so do make sure everything is up and running beforehand.
THINGS TO HAVE NEARBY
Any extra padding or props for under your body or knees
An eye pillow or sleeping mask- I ask folks to keep the lights bright enough to see you.
Water, tissues, extra blankets if you tend to get cold.
MAKE YOUR SPACE INTENTIONAL
See what feels right as far as creating sacred, grounded space in advance of your session. Maybe light some incense, burn some sage, write out an intention or two.
Bring together objects, images, crystals, a candle if it’s safe- whatever might support your session.
CONTRAINDICATIONS & CAUTIONS
Listen to your body. You know it better than I do. If anything feels wrong or too much, stop. The practice brings up emotions and strong sensations in the body. For some, it reminds them of sensations related to a panic attack. When in doubt- sit it out. If you're worried or scared about trying this- wait for another time. If you're curious and open for the adventure, by all means join us.
There are some medical and life conditions where breathwork is contraindicated. If you have epilepsy, heart or blood pressure related medical concerns, untreated glaucoma, severe PTSD or psychosis or if you're beyond 12 weeks pregnant, I’d suggest that you contact me for a raincheck or refund. Also, If you've been sick or have had a recent surgery it's smart to wait till you're feeling fully healthy. Asthma isn't a contra indication but- have your inhaler with you.
POST BREATHWORK SELF CARE
Be slow and gentle with yourself. We often move through a lot of emotions. Take time to integrate the experience.
Your body may be very tingly and vibrate-y. The nice thing about practicing from home is that it allows us to stay in this experience as long as we want/need to, in order to feel grounded and in our body.
Move slowly. Drink water. Have a snack. Maybe go to bed early.
If you find yourself charged up, channel that energy into creativity- journal or draw, dance- you name it.