PREPARING FOR

BREATHWORK

THE WEEK OF

HYDRATION

If your daily water consumption is on the low side, now’s a great time to start boosting your hydration! A properly hydrated body yields a vessel primed for this very experience.

EXPECTATION-HOLDING

Be mindful of any preconceived expectations you may be carrying. Try to cut attachments to any and all possible outcomes you may have built up about your upcoming session (i.e. what will happen, how you’ll feel, or what your result will be). Like anything in life, whenever we build up specific expectations that aren’t met (intentionally or otherwise), disappointment and frustration invariably follows. Therefore, give yourself a priceless gift by arriving with an open and receptive spirit that trusts your breath and body to do precisely what you need (not necessarily want…big difference!).

JOURNALING

If you find yourself struggling around expectations, fear, anxiety, uncertainty, or focus this week as you prepare for your session, rest easy. You’re not at alone! Surrendering and yielding control to this process and experience can be challenging (it’s still challenging for me!). And so, if you need some assistance organizing and funneling the energy of all that’s going on towards your upcoming session, try these journal prompts. I have found great clarity answering prompts in a “stream of consciousness” fashion. Don’t think…just write/type whatever comes to mind until you feel complete.

  • If I meet a friend that I haven’t seen in 10 years, how would I tell or describe my life right now to them?

  • What is currently keeping me awake at night?

  • What is one thing I simply cannot let go of? Why might that be?

  • What were the 5 most significant events or situations that happened to me last year? Who/What was involved? Reflect on why that experience stands out now.

  • What would I like to see manifest in this new year?

  • What wish, vision, and intention is inside of me itching to be set free and come alive?

  • What would I like to create in the coming year?

  • When I find myself sitting here, this time next year—what goes on that “5 most significant events or situations” list?

PREPARATORY READING

Whether it’s a private, group, half or full-day session, I do my best to provide as much education as time allows…everything from neurophysiology to transformative consciousness with many stops in between!

If you’re a first-timer, please prime yourself for your upcoming experience by taking some time to go over some “Preparatory Reading.” And even if you’re a Breathwork regular (or simply haven’t practiced in a while), the reading is a helpful refresher

THE DAY OF

REST / NUTRITION

Make an effort to get a good night’s sleep (it will do wonders for your process!) Try to eat a light, balanced meal no more than 2-hours before your actual session; go easy on the caffeine and generous with water. Remember, you’ll be belly breathing and want to be able to make the full-range of stomach contractions as comfortably as possible. Also, there is only a certain amount of energy the body can move at once. You want those reserves hyper-focused on your Breathwork process and not siphoned off to your digestive tract trying to deal with excess food or caffeine. Need a suggestion? My go-to meal is Avocado Sprouted Grain Toast with a side of berries and Green Tea. It’s perfectly balanced on all fronts!

WHAT TO WEAR

Dress comfortably in soft fabrics that aren’t too restrictive (yet not too “long and flowy,” as they could make you trip). Choose a combo that will easily conform to and encourage any range of motion your body might dictate. It’s hard to go wrong with yoga pants and a workout tank or t-shirt!

CONSIDER…WHAT DO YOU WANT?

After your week of journaling, find some solitude (over breakfast, perhaps?) and meditate on the intention you’d like to bring to your session. An intention is very different from an expectation; this is your want…your burning question…a theme or dynamic that you want to experience for your session. Don’t panic…you’ll have time to meditate upon this before your session, but there’s no harm getting a jumpstart on the process! Additionally, it’s completely possible (and sometimes preferable) to simply remain open and receptive to whatever might come your way during your session. It’s completely up to you!