Category Archives: Consciousness

Benefits of conscious breathing

“Each full breath we take has a beneficial impact. If we take that full breath consciously, with awareness, the benefits are exponentially increased. We can develop a practice of breathing this way. We can even cultivate skill in the way we allow our breath to be modulated by our experiences, and the ways that we encourage a full deep breath in every moment – in the presence of all of the vicissitudes of a human life. We can come to understand and expereince that within each breath we breathe dwells the possibility for greater health, healing, and wellness, personal growth and development, creativity, developing intelligence and wisdom, accessing intuition, and evolving and building a healthy world together.”

 Jessica Dibb, “The Complete Breath”

Healing Potential of Your Breath

“At the beginning of the 21st century there is expanding recognition that the source of much illness and disease is lack of oxygenation. How fortunate we are that there is wisdom from ancient times to today that can teach and guide us in consciously harnessing the full benefits of our breath. It is our most potent nutrient, and our most potentiated vehicle for awareness and self-actualization – and it is free and available every moment. From the simplest of breathing techniques that encourage relaxation and stress-reduction, to progressively enhanced techniques that promote cortisone regulation, stimulate immune functioning and hormonal regulation, to neural regulation and integration, and finally to intensive breathing techniques that help humans to penetrate the deepest parts of themselves, access their greatest gifts and fully flower as a being – breath is a surprising, delightful and awesome blessing.

Envision a world in which every baby is so loved and supported that there is little or no restriction or constriction, or holding of the breath due to anxiety, fear or unnecessary suffering. Envision that these relaxed, breathing childrenʼs bodies are then taught early in life about the significance, power and potential of deep and healthy breathing. Imagine a world in which these children are taught to breathe optimally and even expand their knowledge and capacity to breathe. Imagine a world in which all adults are supported and guided in retraining their bodies to breathe fully. Could we, as a species, as individuals, be healthy? Could we then meet each other with more relaxation, confidence, and awareness of the other? Could we then work together to keep our air, earth and water clean and vibrant? Could we then recognize our common humanity- and need to love and be loved? Could we build a healthy world that we can collectively relish together?”

Jessica Dibb

Quotes from the 2012 global Breathwork Telesummit

The highly inspirational (and, yes, I choose that work deliberately!) Breathwork Summit took place in 2012. It was a big coming out for Breathwork worldwide with most of the top authorities presenting.  A fascinating exploration of Breathwork from a myriad of perspectives.

Here are some quotes from the Summit:

“Breathing is one of the fastest ways of shifting your consciousness that I have ever found.” Gay Hendricks

‘Conscious breath becomes a refuge and a vehicle for living from a place of power, integration and wisdom.’
‘Attention to breath brings kind attention, loving awareness and reality of the present moment.’
Jack Kornfield.

‘When you take a full conscious breath you light up all 3 areas of the brain…you can experience the present moment without defensiveness.’
‘Breath is our greatest nutrient and our greatest medicine.’ Jessica Dibbs

‘Breath is an essential part of transformative practice that leads to health’. ‘
‘Conscious Breath improves heart rate variability which aids in reducing stress and trauma’
‘Bringing awareness to the breath brings amazing transformative possibility. With awareness you can intentionally modulate it or let it be. You play with the boundaries of being active or letting go. It trains the mind to let something be or take an active role.’
Dan Siegel

Breath Moves Consciousness

By taking the time to meditate and open up to your true nature you not only give to yourself but you are also bringing more love, light and healing to so many others.

We’d like to share some words we recently read from Wayne Dyer on using one’s breath to move consciousness.

“The breath has the capacity to ease pain and soften tension.  When you concentrate on breathing, your mind is able to gather together all its scattered energies. Your mind becomes much more focused, quiet, and clear. In fact, when you focus on your breathing, you are in the present, in the here and now. You are able to truly shift from one state of consciousness to another.

Some great thinkers have actually said that the breath has the power to actually move matter and consciousness to new states of being. The breath is the life force. When you focus on breathing, you focus on directing the life force within you.  This focuses and quiets your mind and helps you move energy. That’s why it’s so powerful to breathe into your difficulties. It moves them, shifts them, and transforms them.”

 

Breathwork and Spirituality: A journey into inner Peace and Connection

Introduction: In our fast-paced and often chaotic lives, finding moments of stillness and connection with our inner selves can be challenging. However, there is a powerful tool that can help us on this journey: Breathwork. Beyond its physical benefits, Breathwork holds a profound connection to spirituality, enabling us to tap into our higher selves and explore the depths of our consciousness. In this blog post, we’ll explore the fascinating link between Breathwork and Spirituality and how it can enhance our well-being.

The Essence of Breathwork: At its core, Breathwork Meditation is a practice that focuses on conscious and intentional breathing techniques. By manipulating our breath, we can experience a range of effects on our physical, mental, and emotional states. Breathwork techniques have been utilized for centuries across various cultures as a means to attain spiritual enlightenment, self-discovery, and inner peace.

The Connection with Spirituality: Breathwork serves as a bridge between our physical and spiritual realms. Through intentional circular breathing, we can quiet the mind and open the door to heightened states of consciousness. By directing our breath, we activate the parasympathetic nervous system, inducing relaxation and allowing us to access deeper levels of awareness. This heightened state provides a fertile ground for spiritual exploration and introspection.

Expansion of Consciousness: As we delve into the depths of Breathwork, we begin to explore the expansiveness of our consciousness. The rhythmic and intentional breaths help to dissolve the barriers that separate us from our higher selves. In this expanded state, we may experience a sense of interconnectedness with the universe, a feeling of oneness, and a deeper understanding of our purpose in life.

Healing and Release: Breathwork Therapy offers a unique avenue for healing and emotional release. As we practice circular breathing, we create space within ourselves to release stored emotions, traumas, and energetic blockages. By consciously breathing through these experiences, we can heal old wounds, release negative patterns, and foster a greater sense of well-being.

Integration and Transformation: Through regular Breathwork practice, we can integrate the insights gained from our spiritual experiences into our everyday lives. The heightened awareness and sense of peace cultivated during Breathwork sessions can permeate our thoughts, actions, and relationships, leading to a more authentic and purposeful existence.

Conclusion: Breathwork  Meditation Therapy is not merely about taking breaths; it is a profound spiritual practice that invites us to embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. By harnessing the power of our breath, we can access the vast realms of our consciousness, heal emotional wounds, and cultivate a deeper connection with our true Nature.

 

Breakthrough Breathwork Meditation offers virtual private Breathwork Sessions, and in-person sessions and Breathworkshops in the Asheville area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each Full Breath We Take

I am continually in awe of the benefits and impact conscious breathing and breathwork offers to humanity.  Hope you enjoy this article from Jim Morningstar’s “The Complete Breath” by  Jessica Dibb, Co-director of the International Breathwork Training Alliance and the Chair of the IBTA Ethics Committee.

‘Each full breath we take has a beneficial impact. If we take that full breath consciously, with awareness, the benefits are exponentially increased. We can develop a practice of breathing this way. We can even cultivate skill in the way we allow our breath to be modulated by our experiences, and the ways that we encourage a full deep breath in every moment – in the presence of all of the vicissitudes of a human life. We can come to understand and experience that within each breath we breathe dwells the possibility for greater health, healing and wellness, personal growth and development, creativity, developing intelligence and wisdom, accessing intuition, and evolving and building a healthy world together.

When we are in the womb we feel, we sense, and we grow. What makes it possible for us to feel, sense and grow outside of the womb is breath. It is the most critical physiological function for life. Breath is one of the most transformative forces for life and one of the most powerful medicines on the planet.

Right now you and I are sharing the same experience – that our life began with a single breath, that our life is maintained by a series of breaths, and that the last thing that we do in this life is to take a breath. Right now you and I are sharing the air that we breathe. This air has been breathed over time by trillions and trillions of creatures, human and non-human, including all the people that humanity most admires for having helped make the world a better place.

And right now you and I have the same experience that without any conscious effort on our part we are breathing. And that breath is supporting the efficacy and vigor with which every cell in our body functions, and it is animating every moment of our life. Simultaneously this most critical, essential, and powerful physiological function can be affected in its rate, depth and more by our conscious volition. The implications of the meeting of the unconscious and conscious aspects of breathing, the effortless and efforting dimensions of breathing, for regulating a healthy and harmonious relationship between the sympathetic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system, and for creating opening and flow between the conscious and unconscious mind are thrilling and promising.

At the beginning of the 21st century there is expanding recognition that the source of much illness and disease is lack of oxygenation. How fortunate we are that there is wisdom from ancient times to today that can teach and guide us in consciously harnessing the full benefits of our breath. It is our most potent nutrient, and our most potentiated vehicle for awareness and self-actualization – and it is free and available every moment. From the simplest of breathing techniques that encourage relaxation and stress-reduction, to progressively enhanced techniques that promote cortisone regulation, stimulate immune functioning and hormonal regulation, to neural regulation and integration, and finally to intensive breathing techniques that help humans to penetrate the deepest parts of themselves, access their greatest gifts and fully flower as a being – breath is a surprising, delightful and awesome blessing.

Envision a world in which every baby is so loved and supported that there is little or no restriction or constriction, or holding of the breath due to anxiety, fear or unnecessary suffering. Envision that these relaxed, breathing childrenʼs bodies are then taught early in life about the significance, power and potential of deep and healthy breathing. Imagine a world in which these children are taught to breathe optimally and even expand their knowledge and capacity to breathe. Imagine a world in which all adults are supported and guided in retraining their bodies to breathe fully. Could we, as a species, as individuals, be healthy? Could we then meet each other with more relaxation, confidence, and awareness of the other? Could we then work together to keep our air, earth and water clean and vibrant? Could we then recognize our common humanity- and need to love and be loved? Could we build a healthy world that we can collectively relish together?’