BREATH WORK PRACTISE
Breathwork exercises can benefit you in virtually any situation, but for the best effects, make a commitment to practise them regularly over a period of time. Each exercise here has instructions but there are some general principles to follow, to ensure you get the most from your practise. Above all, listen to your body and always take your time.
START BY OBSERVING
Begin by simply watching your breath, without making any changes for a few inhales and exhales. This raises your consciousness of where you are in the moment. Breath combined with consciousness leads to transformation and conscious means noticing what’s going on right now.
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
Just as thoughts are the minds voice, feelings are the body’s means of expression. Whatever you feel during an exercise, try to accept the sensation, even if you are not enjoying it much. Your feelings are not inherently dangerous. It is safe to feel.
FIND A RHYTEM
There are recommendations on rhythms and pace in the exercises, but always listen to the needs of your body and go more slowly if you need to. The more natural the process feels, the more likely you re to enter into an altered, enhanced state of awareness.
COUNT YOUR BREATHS
Counting the length of the inhales or exhales or the number of breaths in a cycle can help you evolve a natural rhythm, but always listen to your body and adjust recommended counts fi you need to. Breathing practise is not competitive. Consistent awareness is far more important.
STAY GROUNDED
Breathing consciously can unleash intense emotion and high energy levels that can feel overwhelming. If this happens, come out of the process gradually, slow the breathing and shift to nose breathing for a calming effect. The up a grounded position, such as laying on your side. Consider breathing with a practitioner for additional support and sense of safety.
COMPLETE THE PROCESS
Breath work is a form of self healing, so it is fitting to begin and end your process with conscious intention. open your exercises with silent observation and close with physical gesture of completion, such as bringing the hands together over the heart.