Why Breathwork
Breathwork has gained popularity for several reasons, yet many people still feel unsure what breathwork is, how to do it, where to begin, and what method to use.
You might also wonder what the benefits are and who it is right for. If any of this resonates with you, you’re in the right place as I hope to answer at least a few of your questions and empower you with the knowledge about the power of your breath.
In the most simple terms breathwork is any form of a conscious modulation of your breath.
There are many modalities for various results. We can upregulate or down regulate our nervous system as we see fit. This is something that you are doing on a subconscious level throughout your day without even realizing it. You might be able to imagine the breath you take when you get scared, or when you close your computer for the day and get to relax, or maybe even the breath you take when you get really excited like you just won something. They all send chemical and electrical messages through our body telling us how to behave, resulting in how we experience our life. Many people have adapted to breathing patterns that are not serving them very well without even realizing it when they could be taking in much more air and as a result, life. In short, the act of modulating your breath, consciously, with a desired outcome using intentional modalities to reach your desired result is what we call breathwork.
Our breath is the first responder to all outside information we receive, constantly telling our nervous system how to respond to what we are experiencing.
When we learn to master our breath with a little knowledge and skill we begin to take control of how we are experiencing what we are sensing instead of living in a reactive, survival, mode.
When you start a breathwork practice the physical and psychological benefits will most likely get your attention the fastest, but there are other benefits beyond having our health and happiness that allow us to live fuller lives with more depth and meaning.
Here are some key reasons why people often find breathwork beneficial and a few of the results that I have experienced myself and the numerous clients I have witnessed make radical transformations in their own lives.
Stress Reduction:
First, an overarching theme in many people's lives today is elevated stress. As I am sure you are aware, stress has a profound negative impact on one’s overall health and wellness. Breathwork can reduce your experienced stress levels and allow more efficient management of life’s demands. Controlled breathing exercises, such as deep diaphragmatic breathing or specific rhythmic breathing, can activate the body's relaxation response which helps reduce stress and anxiety by regulating and calming the nervous system.
As one participates in conscious breathwork practices the onset of unnecessary stress and the residual build up that is driving many people into a state of burnout, overwhelm and fatigue is lessened. Focusing on the breath can help individuals let go of worries about the past or future, fostering a sense of mental clarity as rumination is minimized. The result is a more evolved state of mindfulness and presence, moment by moment that allows you to be more fully present to the people, places and things that matter most.
Emotional Release:
Breathwork is a powerful and effective tool for releasing stored emotions and tension. Many of us hold onto our emotions and give them the “not now, honey” vibe. As they arise we focus instead on what we are stressing over, maybe that’s our job, our relationships- anything but the emotion itself. This has been conditioned into many of us, and for those who are not able to shut it down there is often shame attached to not being able to handle anything. The person who is experiencing too many emotions might have reached an overflow, once the body can no longer store anymore. The avoidance of feeling our feelings becomes the norm and we no longer let the emotions run through our body with ease. Our (E)motions are energy in motion, and when they are not fully expressed they create a feeling of stuck energy in our body that prevents many systems from flowing freely. Most people are unaware they have been holding on to these trapped emotions until they begin practicing moving energy in their body with the breath which allows the emotion to simply be released without the dialog and story needing to be attached to it. Many people report feeling lighter after breathwork. Specific breathwork practices activate the parasympathetic nervous system, creating a sense of safety that promotes emotional well-being and helping individuals process and release emotions.
Increased Energy and Vitality:
Certain breathwork techniques are designed to increase oxygen intake and improve circulation. This can lead to increased energy levels and a sense of vitality. The body needs oxygen to survive as I am sure you are aware, yet many people are taking quite shallow breaths. I am certain to never miss a breathwork session on a day where I would, in my former life, grab coffee. Breathwork has replaced my need, and many others, for caffeine completely.
Improved Physical Health:
Deep breathing exercises can have positive effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health. It can enhance lung capacity, improve oxygen exchange in the body, and support overall cardiovascular function. There is current research being done on the correlation between lack of oxygen and disease. When we fully oxygenate our cells they are undeniably healthier.
Enhanced Focus and Concentration:
As mentioned earlier practicing breathwork improves concentration and focus by centering the mind, reducing mental clutter and rumination that block your presence, clarity and creativity. This is especially helpful for individuals dealing with anxiety, stress and distractions. Anxiety is directly related to stress, and seems to be the common state many people operate under in day to day life. Anxiety is experienced through overwhelming thoughts, feelings and beliefs attached to the past and/or predictions about the future. When you bring your attention to your breath you are focused in the present moment. Anxiety does not thrive in the current moment. As someone who has dealt with overwhelming anxiety attacks I know what it feels like to think nothing can help, and especially something as ordinary as our breath. I have also experienced my breath stopping a panic attack in it’s tracks. As soon as you find yourself ruminating on a story from the past or a prediction about the future that is causing you dis-ease using mindful breathing exercises you can come back into the present moment that has endless possibilities including that of peace.
Spiritual Exploration:
Many people incorporate breathwork into their spiritual or meditative practices. Deep and intentional breathwork can be a gateway that will allow one to connect with their inner self, explore consciousness, or deepen one's spiritual experience. People often say they are unable to meditate, if you realize the point of meditation is not to go brain dead and not have a thought in your mind, but instead to lessen the intrusive thoughts that bombard and clutter your mind you will find not only that your attention span lengthens but you will feel more connected to yourself and those around you in a more meaningful way. The best way to settle into a meditation practice is to focus on your breath, bringing the attention back to the breath anytime the mind wanders. This is great for the quality of your breath and also raising awareness of your breath that will follow you throughout the day. Moment by moment, so you can stay in alignment with a more clear presence in connection to self and all that is.
Self-Regulation:
Learning to control and regulate the breath can have a positive impact on emotional self-regulation. This skill can be particularly valuable in managing challenging situations or emotions. We know that our breath helps us move emotions through our body and help us remove intrusive thoughts, so when a conversation gets heated, focusing on your breath will allow the emotions to move through and not take over as we stay focused, in our body and in control of self.
Ease of Practice:
Breathwork is accessible and can be done anywhere, requiring no special equipment. Simple techniques can be easily incorporated into daily routines, making it a convenient practice for many. One of my favorite aspects about breathwork is that I will always have what I need with me no matter where I go, what time it is, who I am with. All it takes is the conscious decision to bring awareness to your breath and a little knowledge about the breath and your desired outcomes.
Community and Connection:
Many individuals enjoy participating in group breathwork sessions or classes. The communal aspect of sharing a breathing practice with others can create a sense of connection and support. When we get out of our heads and back into our body, releasing stored emotions and the attachments to stories that keep us feeling separate from others, we realize we are more alike than we are different and that what we are at our core is love. Everyone can connect through the aspect of love that exists within.
This still leaves questions on the how aspect, I know.
For now, just take a deep breath into your belly, then up to the chest, filling your lungs and letting it out, maybe even with a sigh. For an added bonus place one hand on your heart and one on your stomach as you do another round, thanking your body and your breath for all it has done for you.
