Hi there, beautiful soul! Shannon here, and today we’re diving into one of the most powerful, yet simple, tools for healing and transformation—breathwork. If you’ve been to one of my retreats, you’ve probably already experienced the magic of breathwork. If not, let me just say this: it’s a game-changer.
Here’s the thing—most of us go through life barely noticing our breath. We breathe shallowly, we hold our breath when we’re stressed, and we don’t realize that this one simple act—something we do thousands of times a day—has the power to completely shift how we feel in our bodies, minds, and hearts.
So, let’s take a deep breath together and explore why breathwork is so incredible, the techniques you can try, and how you can use it both during a retreat and in your daily life.
Why Breathwork is So Powerful
Breathwork isn’t just about taking deep breaths (although that’s a great start!). It’s a practice of intentionally controlling your breathing to bring balance, clarity, and healing.
Here’s what makes breathwork so amazing:
- Stress Relief: Deep, intentional breathing calms your nervous system and lowers cortisol levels (aka the stress hormone).
- Emotional Release: Breathing deeply allows you to tap into stored emotions and let them flow out, creating space for peace.
- Mindfulness: Focusing on your breath pulls you into the present moment, helping you tune out distractions and reconnect with yourself.
- Improved Energy: Breathwork increases oxygen flow, which can leave you feeling refreshed and energized.
- Enhanced Clarity: When your mind isn’t racing, you can think more clearly and make better decisions.
Breathwork Techniques to Try
There are so many ways to practice breathwork, from quick resets to deeper, transformative sessions. Here are a few of my favorite techniques that we often explore at retreats:
1. Box Breathing
This one’s great for calming your mind and centering yourself—it’s super simple and easy to do anywhere.
How to do it:
- Inhale for 4 counts.
- Hold your breath for 4 counts.
- Exhale for 4 counts.
- Hold your breath for 4 counts.
Repeat this cycle for a few minutes, and you’ll feel your stress melt away.
2. Alternate Nostril Breathing
This technique is wonderful for balancing your energy and finding focus.
How to do it:
- Use your thumb to close your right nostril and inhale through your left nostril.
- Close your left nostril with your ring finger, release your thumb, and exhale through your right nostril.
- Inhale through your right nostril, close it, and exhale through your left nostril.
Continue for 3-5 minutes, alternating nostrils, and notice how balanced and calm you feel.
3. Lion’s Breath
Feeling stuck or frustrated? Lion’s Breath is a fun and powerful way to let it all out (and I mean ALL of it!).
How to do it:
- Inhale deeply through your nose.
- Open your mouth wide, stick out your tongue, and exhale forcefully with a loud “HA!”
- Repeat 3-5 times.
This one is especially great for emotional release, and it feels SO good!
4. Holotropic Breathwork
If you’re ready for a deep dive into transformation, holotropic breathwork is where it’s at. This guided practice involves rhythmic breathing patterns that take you into a meditative state, helping you access deeper parts of your subconscious.
While this one is best done with a trained facilitator (we offer it at some retreats!), it’s one of the most powerful ways to release stored emotions and gain clarity.
Using Breathwork at a Retreat
Breathwork is a core part of the retreat experience because it’s one of the fastest ways to shift your energy and open yourself up to transformation.
- Morning Practice: Start your day with breathwork to set the tone for mindfulness and presence.
- Emotional Release Sessions: Guided breathwork can help you process and let go of emotions you’ve been carrying.
- Meditation and Yoga: Pairing breathwork with movement or meditation deepens the experience and helps you connect with your body.
One of the most beautiful things about doing breathwork at a retreat is that you’re surrounded by a supportive environment, which makes it easier to fully let go and trust the process.
How to Bring Breathwork Into Daily Life
The magic doesn’t stop when the retreat ends! Breathwork is a tool you can take home and use anytime you need to reset, refocus, or release.
Here’s how to incorporate breathwork into your daily routine:
- Morning Ritual: Spend 5 minutes with box breathing or alternate nostril breathing to start your day feeling calm and focused.
- Midday Reset: If stress creeps in, step away for a few rounds of deep belly breathing or Lion’s Breath to shake it off.
- Evening Wind-Down: Use gentle, rhythmic breathing to calm your mind before bed.
The Power of Your Breath
Your breath is your superpower, and the more you tap into it, the more you’ll realize just how transformative it can be. Whether you’re navigating stress, seeking clarity, or looking to release old emotions, breathwork is a simple yet profound tool that’s always available to you.
If you’re ready to explore the full magic of breathwork, I invite you to join me on retreat. Together, we’ll dive into these techniques and create space for you to heal, grow, and reconnect with the incredible person you are.
Take a deep breath—you’ve got this.
With love and light,
Shannon
