This month I have been focusing on breathing with many experienced breathwork practitioners. This includes a host of professional breathworkers from around the world who gathered for the 23rd Annual Global Inspiration Conference in South Africa; and it includes some of our advanced students in Russia, as well as the many seasoned breathers and members of the practitioner training group in Lithuania. It also includes skype consultations and online meetings with my VIP members.
Here are some of the things that breathworkers and conscious breathers focus on when breathing, and while coaching, facilitating, or supporting others during a breathing session. These are things we observe, explore, and discuss in ourselves and others:
How would you describe or characterize the general breathing pattern? Is the breathing easy? Smooth? Powerful? Subtle? Is there effort involved? Is it natural? Is it forced? Is it active? Lazy? Are there any specific points that stand out? Any qualities or aspects that are unique or interesting? Can you observe the subtle details? Is the breathing mechanical, or is it alive? Is it conscious?
What can you sense from the breathing? If breathing isthe language of the soul, what does the breathing pattern express or reflect about the breather? What emotions can you sense are being felt just under the surface? What would happen if the breathing were to become more powerful or more subtle, faster, slower, deeper?
Is the breathing full and free? Is it inhibited or restricted? Is the breathing in the chest? The belly? Through the nose? The mouth? Are there breath sounds? Is relaxation present? What muscles are being used? What would happen if you/they relaxed more? What is happening in the jaw? The neck? The throat? The spine? The forehead? The shoulders? The belly? Finger tips? Does the whole body breathe? Does the whole body relax?
Are the inhales longer than the exhales? Are the exhales longer than the inhales? Are there pauses between the breaths? Are the inhales active? Are the exhales active? Is there more effort being applied than required? Is there something missing? Is the breathing fast? Slow? Shallow? Deep? Is it rhythmic, choppy, or chaotic? Is there a sense of over-controlling or holding back? Are you/they breathing energy and not just air?
One of the core techniques that we teach and practice is “connected breathing,” “continuous breathing,” or “circular breathing.” This means that there are no gaps or pauses or breaks between the inhales and exhales, exhales and inhales. It is a core technique used in Breathwork.
This particular breathing exercise activates subtle as well as powerful energies in the body. It brings up all kinds of feelings and sensations, thoughts and emotions, fantasies, memories, and so on; and it magnifies them. It is while doing this practice that we ask these questions, that we observe these things I just listed.
If you have never done a connected breathing session, then you don’t know what you are missing, and you really need to try it! You would do well to explore it, learn it, experiment with it, learn it. Find a good teacher, and master it!
The practice of “Breath Awareness” also called “breath watching,” is a mindfulness practice. It leads to tremendous spiritual awakening, self-knowledge and personal growth, emotional clearing, physical healing, self-mastery, self-realization, and even ultimate liberation!
Do yourself a favor, and start practicing it today. Breathe, and observe how you breathe. Practice the connected breathing rhythm, and use it to improve your health and well-being, as well as success in life, love, business, sports, and beyond!
If you would like some coaching or support, or if you simply want more information about breathwork, visit www.breathmastery.com and download my free book: Shut Up and Breathe! When you do, you will automatically subscribe to my Monthly Newsletter and Breathing Report.
I also suggest that you put your name on the pre-order list of “JUST BREATHE!” This book will be published by Simon & Schuster and will be in bookstores everywhere February 14, 2017!
If you would like to search through a growing collection of books, articles, reports, audio and video recordings, seminar and workshop transcripts, handouts, training materials, webinars, interviews… Information on Breathwork… some of it going back more than 35 years, and even centuries, then you may want to join our Breath Mastery Inner Circle: http://www.breathmastery.com/membership/
You may also want to schedule a Skype Consultation, or attend a live training event somewhere in the world. You may want to come down to Mexico and take part in one of our 21 Day Baja retreats or Breathwork Intensives. Contact: office@breathmastery.com for more information.
Good luck in your practice,
and many blessings on your path!
Dan
