The Importance of Breathe Work

Welcome to the BREATHE WORKSHOP.

If what I teach you today is put into practice, it WILL change your whole wellbeing.  That I promise. 

                  For some people breathe work in a group situation can take you out of your comfort zone as making breathing noises is quite alien to us. 

                  But once you are at home you can make as much noise as you wish. 

Pranayama is a breathing technique that originated in ancient India as part of yoga. It's a way to control your breath, and is said to improve your physical and mental health. 

What it is

• Pranayama is a yogic practice that involves controlling your breath in different ways. 

• It's a form of meditation that can help you prepare for deeper meditation. If you are a Christian, you can still connect with your faith during meditation – breathing is not religion based. 

• It's a way to connect your body and mind. 

• It's a way to clear physical and emotional blocks. 

Our first preparation breath and also to get us all woken up.  This is a great to start the day before even getting out of bed.

·      In a comfortable position

·      Eyes closed or lowered

·      Take a big breath in through the nose – as big as possible

·      And slowly release out through the mouth. Control the release.

·      Try to hear your own breath and have awareness of where in the body it is.

You can even create your own affirmation for this one – example

I AM GOING TO CREATE AN AWESOME DAY TODAY

I AM GOING TO HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

I AM GOING TO GREET AND SMILE AT PEOPLE

I AM GOING TO LET GO OF ANY NEGATIVENESS I EXPERIENCE TODAY

BOX BREATHING – another one to do before getting out of bed.

Box breathing, also known as square breathing, is a simple yet powerful breathing technique that can help calm your mind and body.

Here's how it works:

The Technique

1. Inhale: Breathe in through the nose for a count of 4, filling your lungs completely.

2. Hold: Hold your breath for a count of 4.

3. Exhale: Breathe out either nose or mouth for a count of 4, emptying your lungs completely.

4. Hold: Hold your breath again for a count of 4.

Remember the hold is just a pause of breathing not severe holding lol.

Try to lengthen the count.

Benefits

1. Reduces stress and anxiety: Box breathing can help calm your nervous system.

2. Improves focus: The technique can help you concentrate and stay focused.

3. Enhances self-control: By controlling your breath, you can develop greater self-awareness.

4. Supports better sleep: Practicing box breathing before bed can promote relaxation.

When to Practice

1. During meditation: Box breathing can be a great way to start your meditation practice.

2. Before a challenging situation: Use the technique to calm your nerves before a big meeting, exam, or performance.

3. When feeling overwhelmed: Box breathing can help you regain control and composure.

  BELLOW BREATHING

Bellows Breath involves forceful and equal inhalations and exhalations, using the diaphragm to actively pump air in and out, while "Breath of Fire" focuses on a rapid and strong exhalation through the nose, with a more passive inhale, essentially creating a "pumping" action primarily in the abdominal area; the key difference is that Bellows Breath actively engages both inhale and exhale with equal force, while Breath of Fire emphasizes a strong, quick exhale with a gentler inhale. 

Key points to remember: 

• Bellows Breath

• Both inhale and exhale are active and forceful, with equal emphasis on each. 

• Uses the diaphragm to fully expand and contract the lungs. 

• Can feel like a "bellows" pumping action. 

BENEFITS OF BELLOW FIRE

Is a vigorous breathing techniques in yoga that offer similar benefits like increased energy, improved lung capacity, stress reduction, detoxification, and potential benefits for digestion, but "bellows breath" is considered slightly more intense and focuses on both forceful inhalation and exhalation, while "fire breath" emphasizes a strong, rapid exhalation with a gentle

• Breath of Fire

• Focuses on a rapid and powerful exhalation through the nose. 

• Inhale is more passive, happening naturally after the forceful exhale creates a vacuum.

• Primarily engages the abdominal muscles to push air out. 

BENEFITS OF FIRE BREATHE

By practicing Breath of Fire, you can increase oxygen flow, strengthen the respiratory system, and stimulate the lymphatic system, all of which contribute to a healthier immune response.

ALTERNATIVE NOSTRIL BREATHING – MY FAVORITE

Alternative nostril breathing! Is a popular yoga technique. It's meant to help balance the breath and calm the mind. Here's a brief overview:

# How to Practice Alternative Nostril Breathing

1. Find a comfortable seated position: Sit comfortably with your back straight, either on a chair or on a yoga mat.

2. Place your right hand in front of your face: Position your right hand in front of your face, with your thumb and pinky finger forming a "V" shape.

3. Close your right nostril: Close your right nostril with your thumb.

4. Inhale through your left nostril: Inhale slowly and deeply through your left nostril.

5. Close your left nostril: Close your left nostril with your pinky finger.

6. Release your right nostril: Release your right nostril and exhale slowly through it.

7. Inhale through your right nostril: Inhale slowly through your right nostril.

8. Close your right nostril: Close your right nostril with your thumb.

9. Release your left nostril: Release your left nostril and exhale slowly through it.

10. Repeat the cycle: Continue alternating nostrils for several rounds. #

Benefits of Alternative Nostril Breathing

1. Balances the breath: Helps balance the breath and calm the nervous system.

2. Reduces stress and anxiety: Can help reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation.

3. Improves respiratory health: May help improve respiratory health by strengthening the lungs and increasing oxygenation.

4. Prepares for meditation: Can be used as a preparation for meditation, helping to calm the mind and focus the attention. # Precautions and Contraindications

1. Consult a healthcare professional: If you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns, consult with a healthcare professional before starting alternative nostril breathing.

2. Avoid during illness: Avoid practicing alternative nostril breathing during illness, especially if you have a cold, flu, or other respiratory infection.

3. Be gentle: Be gentle when closing and opening your nostrils, as forceful or rough movements can cause discomfort or injury. I hope this helps!

Do you have any specific questions about alternative nostril breathing, or would you like more information on yoga or breathing techniques?

DO YOU SNORE OR DOES YOUR PARTNER SNORE – I HAVE A THING FOR YOU TO TRY.

Let’s find your good nostril.  Left or right?  That nostril needs to be up when sleeping.   Put your good nostril down and you can breath due to the pillow. Try it!!!

LETTING GO!!! With affirmation if you wish

Let’s sit

Take a big breath in – as much as possible.  And let’s sigh it out.  As loud as you feel comfortable.

Keep doing that – eyes closed for this one. 

Listen to my affirmations and repeat in your head. At home you can say them out loud.

I forgive and release bad energy

I will not judge myself

I am enough

I will not compare myself with others

I choose to release my stress and pain

I am in control

SIT IN SILENCE – 5 minutes – peace.  I will bring you out of it.

Either lay or sit. Eyes closed. You are safe. Just natural breathing.

Allow the thoughts to come and go

Focus on your breathing

If your mind wanders to negative thoughts bring yourself back to the breath focus

What can you hear, what do you feel, what can you smell. How does your body feel?