“Energy is intelligent and evolutionary.”
Breathwork is some of the most directly transformational work I know of. These days I generally offer breathwork in retreat settings or in a small group format.
My Training
I initially trained in the tradition of Leonard Orr, who developed the first major breathwork protocol in the West, called “Rebirthing.” In the decades following, I have led groups of up to 150 as well as individuals through the breathwork journey.
My philosophy in breathwork is to help you activate energy and to help you trust the natural expression of what arises from the wisdom of your own body. I do not play evocative music, as is part of other wonderful breathwork traditions. I will occasionally do touch points, with your permission, to assist in the release of tensions.
The most simple techniques are often the most powerful. I know of few modalities as powerful as conscious, circular breathing. This technique has shifted my consciousness dramatically. I have led thousands of people through this process and am always amazed and humbled by the experience.
In a Small Group Setting
We begin the retreat with centering, movement, sitting meditation and reflective journaling. In the breathwork session you’ll lie on your back and you will focus on ‘connecting’ the inhalation and the exhalation, that is, as soon as you exhale, you begin the in-breath. At the top of the in-breath, you exhale.
Your in-breath is full and deep. You exhale with an intention to completely relax and let go.
That’s it.
Why is this so incredibly transformative for so many?
Here’s what happens in a breathwork session: As you continue to breathe in this fashion, you find your system flooded with super-oxygenated blood. Seratonin and endorphins are released. As you continue you’ll feel tingling and new energy flowing through your body. You’ll be drawn deeper and deeper into the paradox of expanded awareness and deep relaxation.
When energy becomes free it begins to mobilizes, automatically moving to where it is blocked. You may feel strong physical sensations arise and you may notice as well phenomenon arise in the emotional body and the mental body. For some people, old memories and emotions surface with new insights. For some there is no emotional content, but the pure experience of fresh, alive energy coursing through their body. At the end of each session comes a deep sense of relaxation and a fresh perspective.
No session is ever quite the same as the energy and body wisdom activated through the breath is constantly shifting and changing.
Can you do something this simple on your own? Yes, but it’s really challenging. You’ll tend to bliss out and fall asleep or encounter strong aversion to sensation or body memory and unconsciously shut down.
I’m here to help you stay present to the breath and the energy flowing in your body. I’m here as an advocate of that which is awakening.
I highly recommend you schedule extra time to integrate after your session with a walk, time to be alone or to rest.
Please call me at 301-221-6400 or email me at jonathanfoustatmacdotcom to find out more about the small group sessions.
