~ B R E A T H W A V E ~
The Wave of the Future of Breathwork
Book Breathwave
I am currently in practicum training to become a facilitator, after attending several Breathwave training retreats.
I have started facilitating one-on-one full one hour sessions. I have also started facilitating group sessions more introductory in nature, consisting of 23-minute sessions using an audio recording made by my teacher. These sessions are offered free or by-donation as they are part of my training until I become fully certified.
If you are interested in receiving a session or learning about breathwork please do not hesitate to reach out. I can come offer you a session or connect you to a facilitator near you.
"From the moment Andrew greeted me into the space, I felt seen, heard and I knew was in good hands. His explanation of the breathwork and history was professional and informative. His instructions and guidance throughout the session allowed me to connect to my mind, body and breath with ease. This in combination with the safe space allowed me unpack and work through some very deep holding patterns. I am deeply humbled by the experience and forever grateful. I highly recommend booking a session with Andrew"
~ Malachi Stone, Esalen Massage Therapist, Gestalt Practitioner
What is Breathwork?
Breathwork was discovered (re-remembered) in the 60's when holotropic breathwork was founded by renowned Stanislav Grof, by observing the breathing patterns of his LSD research participants. It has been popularized by Wim Hof and the method he developed for going into ice cold water.
This Beyond Breathwork link contains definitions distinguishing different modalities. The term 'breathwork' tends to refer to conscious connected breathing (CCB), which is also my focus here.
From my own experience, breathwork is a practice used to access non-ordinary states of consciousness, such as trance or ecstasy. In this heightened state deep seated feelings can arise, resulting in gestalt experiences or epiphanies. These feelings can be blissful; they can also be uncomfortable, or worse, extremely painful. Painful sensations are often a reflection of past traumas surfacing, which present an opportunity to resolve and heal them.
There are two main principles of CCB:
- Connected breath with no pauses at the top or bottom of the breath, between inhales and exhales
- Breathing through the mouth
What is Breathwave?
Breathwave is a modality under the umbrella of CCB taught by Robin Clements on the west coast of Canada.
Breathwave is gentle and holistic in nature. It doesn't demand much control or intensity beyond normal. Your level of engagement on the inhale reflects your intention or readiness for a specific intensity without forcing. Your degree of control on the exhale reflects your ability to let go in life.
Breathwave implies a wave of breath moving from the bottom of the belly to the top of the chest. Any blockages along this wave correspond to chakra imbalances or symptoms in that part of the anatomy. For example, someone who doesn't breathe into their chest may have cardiovascular issues or trouble receiving and giving love. In breathing into these blockages, they may be cleared and the traumas associated with them resolved. This can have long-term benefits resulting in more open breath, as well as resolution of past traumas.
I have written several blogs about my personal experience with Breathwave:
Introduction Retreat - Diving Into Breath
Post Retreat Integration - The Integration
Facilitator Training Retreat - Spreading the Medicine
10 Week Breathwork Challenge - The Presence Process
Here are some Breathwave resources:
Main website: www.breathwave.net
Instagram: Robin.Breathwave
23-min Breathwave recording you can try on your own: Unity Breath
"Andrew met me where I was and was happy to entertain an endless list of questions about breathwork and its philosophical underpinnings.
In his sessions, I realized both the most cathartic and blissful states of my life and I very much look forward to continuing this journey. I highly recommend Andrew as a facilitator and hope that he continues to enhance his skillset and share this powerful technique."
~ Brendan Leier - Clinical Professor, University of Alberta
