Breathwork

For so many years, I heard people say, “You’ve got to feel it to heal it.” I knew that what they were saying was true. I knew I had old feelings, beliefs, fears, and stories stuck in my body (ones I was aware of and ones I wasn’t). But I didn't know how to access them and what to do when or if I found them. I had spent years studying mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and other techniques, but I could feel that something was missing. Then, one day in 2017 a friend randomly mentioned the word breathwork. I didn’t know what was different about this breathwork or exactly what she meant, but I instantly felt an unstoppable force pulling me to learn more.

breathwork taught me how to fully feel my feelings & be with all of me.

I dove headfirst into finding a couple of amazing breathwork teachers. It didn’t take me long to realize that this practice had a way of giving me direct and quick access to emotional and energetic debris in my body unlike anything else I had ever tried. It quieted my (powerful and often distracting) mind in a new way that allowed my body and all that it was holding to take full priority. I felt the breath connect me deeply to myself. It opened me up to all of me - my pain, my joy, my blocks, my fear, my love, my intuition, and more.

More in all ways.

Breathwork helped me move through old feelings in my body that were keeping me stuck, small, and disconnected from myself. It put me squarely in charge of my own healing. I began to feel more in the best of ways. I learned to feel the less comfortable feelings in my body and they began to move, which created more space for gratitude, love, presence, and my own power. I’ve become more resilient and developed a healthier relationship with my feelings and how to move them through my body. They don’t get stuck or keep me from growing or experiencing life to its fullest anymore. I experience way less physical pain and my body feels lighter and healthier. I feel much more stable, nourished, and connected to myself. Through this practice, I feel less impacted by the constant change from the outer world - like I’m tapped into my own inner wisdom and knowledge and don’t need any external noise or answers to guide me.

The technique.

This is a three-part, traditional, pranayama breathing pattern. It’s an active meditation that focuses the mind on the breath. This allows you to quickly get out of your head, moving emotional energy and connecting to information and wisdom from the body.

Breathwork can leave you feeling lighter, more inspired, loving, and clear. Most people report feeling a deep sense of groundedness and stillness at the end of a session. Some people have big emotionally purifying releases, and some walk away feeling cleansed, creative, and more connected to their purpose and power. Rarely sessions are the same for everyone or the same every time.

Breathwork can help:

• Release strong stuck emotions like fear, anger, and grief

• Increase creativity, confidence & clarity

• Connect to your own intuition, a deeper sense of self and purpose

• Release limiting beliefs and the feelings holding them in place

• Improve energy levels and feel better in your body

• Help discharge overstimulation and exhaustion from the body.

• Improve long-term health conditions, like migraines, digestive issues, and more.

Q&A:

What is a one-to-one session like?

A one-to-one session lasts 60-70 minutes. We start off talking about what you’re wanting to heal or need guidance on, any goals for the session, and any breathwork questions. Then we move into the actual breathwork, which is followed by a rest and any closing needs, questions, or reflections.

What do you wear to practice breathwork? How do you prep?

It’s best to wear comfortable and loose clothes. You’ll be laying down and breathing deeply, so do what you need to be comfy. It’s best to practice on an empty (or close to empty!) stomach. If you’re doing a virtual session set yourself up in a private space on a comfy bed, sofa, or on the ground. Have a blanket, an eye mask (a scarf or anything that will cover your eyes will do), and a journal if you’d like to take note of any reflections.

What should I expect?

Keep an open mind and don’t base your experience on anything you’ve heard. It can work well to set a light intention to be open to whatever comes up for you during a session or class. This can create more space for whatever is in your best interests to emerge.

What if I freak out? I’ve heard breathwork can be intense.

I’ve got you. I can help you move through any intense emotional, mental, spiritual, or physical sensations that may come up. And if you need to, you can always breathe normally and slowly through your nose and mouth to help settle into the experience and start again when you’re ready. In a private session or a class, all of this kind of info will be covered before you start breathing.

what if other people are freaking out?

Sometimes in class settings, people do have various emotional releases, cry, or make noises to help move the stuck emotions in their bodies. Try to focus on your own experience, while celebrating that classmate’s release. Good things are happening for them. You can send them a little, “good for you” thought and come back to your own breath.

What should I do if I still feel emotional at the end of class or a session?

Make sure that you come back to your regular breath and take your time getting back to life. Sometimes journaling or snacking post-breathwork can help get you grounded and ready to go. You are welcome to stay longer if needed (at my studio or in a group class). I recommend that you don’t schedule anything right after the session/class.

Can I practice this every day?

Yes! I recommend practicing for 7-20 minutes a day just like you would a more traditional meditation practice. Longer and guided sessions can be useful when you’re wanting to make some big shifts or need help with something specific. If you experience a lot of resistance to the breath pattern I highly recommend having someone facilitate the process. It can expedite your healing and make you more open to practicing on your own at a later date.

What does a 1:1 Session cost?

I work on a sliding scale from $140-180 per session.

I keep space open for two clients a month that operate on a pay-what-you-can, or exchange-what-you-can rate in an effort to make healing more widely accessible to those with less financial funds. Email me directly if you’d like to be considered for one of those two slots.

TESTiMOnials

I’m available for one-to-one or group sessions/classes in the Denver, Colorado area & remotely via Skype or Zoom.

For questions or more info email me at rachael@rachaelmckee.com