Get ready for a breathwork session
First timer or just need a reminder – here’s a checklist to getting your external and internal space ready for a breathwork session. From setting up your space to demystifying your fears this guide helps your explore a typical breathwork session👇
what is breathwork?
The short of it: we use specific breath patterns and rhythms to help facilitate deep inner listening and exploration. There are several styles of breathwork we can use to facilitate different outcomes - from calming regulation to intense emotional release. The important part: you're always in control of your session.
The long of it: in breathwork sessions we manipulate the breath so it can be used as a tool that can help you drop below your neck (get out of your head) and hear what your body has to say (get into your body). We use the breath as a kind of storyteller – searching the body to bring stories and emotions to the surface so that we can witness ourselves clearly (in all of our complexity). Breathwork helps you connect into yourself and feel (not think) through the stuff that’s piled up deep in your bones or buried way down in the depth of your soul so that you can expand into a bigger, fuller, more ravish version of ourself. Each session is tailored to you and your particular needs at the time of our session. What I love most about breathwork is that you are an active participant in moving your stuck energy and emotions, finding regulation or clarity, and most importantly just letting your body tell you its story.
Why I do this: I believe our bodies hold our wisdom and most of the clarity we are searching for and when we listen to it (without the filter of our mind) we can see ourselves in a way that is far more clear, loving, and expansive. The thing is - it’s tough to do without tools and support that can really hold us through it. It’s an honest-to-goodness joy to be able to hold space for humans who want to revive their self-trust and awareness, to unravel, to rebuild, and to keep doing it all over again. It’s like watching you build the muscle that gently seduces yourself back to living your most authentic life. And it’s just fucking beautiful.
how does a session flow?
A typical 60-90 min session:
intake conversation [ 10-20 min ]
review breathing technique [ 2- 5 min ]
visualization [5-10 min] we ease into the session with a visualization to help you drop into your body as you breathe naturally
active breathwork [ 30-40 min] we transition into the active breath which will feel like ‘work’
integration [5-10 min] we transition out of the active breath back to your natural breathing as your body is buzzing and give you time to integrate the practice
close [5-10min] we will end with a short reflection conversation to close the practice
How do I set up my space?
Choose a space where you can be uninterrupted (the empty bathtub if ya have to)
Set yourself up so that once we start breathing you can lie down on a comfortable flat surface like the floor, a yoga mat, or sofa. (you can be seated if needed but lying down is preferred)
Set up your device so that I can see you from the waist up once we start breathing
Be comfortable! Wear something flowy and cozy
Grab a blanket
An eyemask (or something to cover your eyes) and headphones are recommended
Grab your journal to capture any insights after the session
Try to eat light and not right before the session
Don’t be shy about surrounding yourself with personal items like photos, candles, special objects
Remember: you’re the wise one and your only job is to breathe!
what will I feel?
Everyone is different so there’s no certain answer on this one. Your body is amazing and based on things like your nervous system and the collection of your life experiences it will respond in whatever way is unique to you. I’ve listed some of the things that are common based on my experience with clients.
stress release
letting go of anxiety
increased relaxation
a buzzing feeling / energetic / joyful
replaying / resurfacing of visual memories
resurfacing of emotional imprints / memories
releasing of anger or resentment
psychedelic visions and experiences
pain relief
more clarity
deep healing
I’m still a little skeptical…
It would kinda be weird if ya weren’t. I was too–so bring on the skepticism.
If you’re like me, you’re immediately suspicious of things that aren’t logical and seem to woo woo. I’m going to tell it to ya straight - breathwork has no room for bullsh*t and is hard work. In fact, if you’re anything like I was: hard pressed to feel all the feels, hesitant to be super vulnerable but want so desperately to see a shift in your life then breathwork can be a fantastic tool. And if you’re a big ol’ softy by nature but feeling worried about doing breathwork I’ll remind you of this: you are in control of your experience AND the things that scare us are often the things that bring the most growth.
Still have questions or doubts? DM me @gianageee
Health Disclaimer
Take care of yourself. Breathwork should not be practiced at its full intensity if you are pregnant. If you have any of the the following conditions: epilepsy, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high internal eye pressure, retinal detachment, previous strokes, diagnosed psychosis and anxiety disorders, recent injuries and broken bones, please check with a doctor before our session.
