Some people may think breathwork is “boring and unproductive”. That it is “too easy” or that there are “no long-term benefits”. But, this is not the case. I began practicing conscious breathwork six months ago as I opened myself up to daily meditations.  I’ve always done yoga, and breathwork is the main component in my practice, but there has always been a form of body exercise associated with it. 

I am beginning to truly understand that breathwork is the actual starting point if you want to heal.  Your breath is your life force.  When you focus on your breath, you have to be authentically present in the moment.  We tend to live in fear of what has happened in the past, or in worry about what may happen in the future.  The only place that creates honest truth to our lives is in the present moment and your breath can get you there. This is the place where we can finally begin to heal.

When I saw there was going to be breathwork at the MJ Lifestyle Visualize & Thrive 2020 Day Retreat, I was STOKED! I had zero expectations, just excitement. A chance to learn a new technique or refine one that I was already using. I had a small amount of THC in my system prior to the breathwork.  I was a daily user for years, and have only recently changed my intake, trying to be more mindful and honoring my body. THC tends to make my heart beat fast and gives me a little anxiety, so I haven’t used it as much recently. But, since I was at a cannabis event, I wanted to join in with everyone because I get serious cases of FOMO.

Our breathwork guide was Aria Diana. Her voice was sweet and gentle as she guided us through a few different breath techniques.  She started us with long inhales and exhales to get us into our bodies. When I felt my heart start to race, I knew it was the THC and just took note.  That is all we can do in the moment. Just be present with exactly where we are.  I knew the breathwork would offset the anxiety. She then offered us a three-part breath: one quick inhale into the belly, a second quick inhale into the chest, and then a quick exhale out the mouth.  I loved this one!  I’ve actually used it many times throughout my day since the retreat to quickly bring myself back to my body.  These breathing techniques that I have accumulated are like little gifts to myself, helping me remember to stay in the moment. 

Aria also had music to accompany the breathwork.  Music is a huge component of my personal self-work and self-healing, so it’s always a major plus for me when I enjoy the tuneage.  I was able to use the beats of the music to stay on point with each breath when I was in the three-part breath.  And then, when we let it all go, I found myself lost in the energy of my body mingling with the tones of the musical instruments. If you give all of your attention to your breath, and to the voice that is guiding you, there is no space for anxiety or fear or judgment or whatever emotions plague you…..the only space you have is for yourself and for your breath.

 I ‘highly’ recommend breathwork for anyone dealing with anxiety, depression, fear or just wants a way to connect deeper with their body.  My one and only piece of advice for breathwork, and this is a MUST, is that when you find yourself drifting away from your breath and back into your head, don’t get upset with yourself, don’t quit, don’t tell yourself you suck, just gently remind yourself to find your breath again and get back in.  I’m constantly falling out of my breath and find myself back in my analytical mind.  There’s a reason its called a practice. Try to enjoy it and be gentle with yourself.

About the Author: Sally Jermain is currently studying Kundalini breathwork, Kriya yoga, the Wim Hof Method and other techniques that she has learned from different teachers. 

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