Are you interested in beginning your Breathwork journey for deeper healing or transformation, but aren’t sure whether to attend a group Breathwork session or to book a private session?
As a facilitator of Breathwork in Sydney, I have some insights to share and answers to burning questions to help you make up your mind about whether attending a group or private session is best for your first experience.
Booking in for a group session – What happens in a group setting?
You will be warmly welcomed, and always be greeted individually upon arrival. Often, we will begin in a circle to introduce the process, address any questions, demonstrate the techniques that we will use in the session, and what you can expect from the journey. This will include sharing what is possible during a session in your emotional and physical body and putting your mind at ease that you are fully supported. To open the body and land into a space of relaxation, we may begin with basic Breathwork techniques, movement or other body-based activities. You will then be invited to lie down on a mat and begin the journey where we will be guided through the process. This usually involves music, sound healing, oils and some light touch to support your nervous system.
As the Breathwork journey begins, you will hear others breathing alongside you, and your facilitator will be walking around guiding the group, whilst providing additional support where needed.
What might I feel during a session in general?
Anything is possible, often people feel a high vibration of energy pulsating through their body, sometimes tingling in the hands, sometimes experience of bliss as certain chemicals are released in the body. Others feel a deep relaxation they have never felt before, altered stated of consciousness or a deep sense of intuition flowing through, and others feel powerful energies and emotions moving through them. It all really depends on your body and psyche and what you are ready for. Everything and anything is possible, knowing that it is all perfectly safe.
What do you mean by a big release or going deep?
As you continue through the Breathwork experience and your body becomes activated, it is possible that the breath can unlock stored energy from our fascia and nervous system. Some participants may feel the need to move, or to express this energy as it simply wants to flow through the body. This might be experienced in the body by feeling like it wants to move, laughter, crying or sometimes a light shaking. All of this is normal, a fabulous experience of releasing and when relaxed into it can feel very healing.
What if I have a big emotional release in my first session in a group setting?
Creating a safe container for people to trust and fully relax within their group is one of my core values of Rhythm of Breath. It is likely that even though you may feel a little nervous about a big release in a group situation when it occurs you will feel very natural, safe and supported.
The group setting of Breathwork can be daunting for some as it is common to have big emotional and/or physical releases in your first session. You will be reassured that everything is safe to be released and to relax into whatever the body needs to do. You are in control.
What if I don’t want to share?
That’s okay! You will never be expected to share or contribute anything you don’t want to. All of our sessions are led in a confidential manner and we ask that all participants respect that as well.
I feel that I have some really deep stuff to work through and might need some extra support. What about private sessions, are they for me?
If you know you have something deep to work with, or looking for trauma relief, then a private session will be best for you, so that you can receive dedicated coaching and emotional support. Working in a private session with a trained therapist will allow you to feel safe to explore and release energy without the need for deep talk therapy. A professional Breathwork Therapist will be able to guide and advice you at the pace that is right for you using the proper tools to keep you safe. The breath is a very powerful tool and going deep in a session should not be recommended as a general rule of thumb unless fully supported.
I just want to experience it, I heard it was a really transformational thing to do, what should I do?
It is completely personal choice as to whether you come to a group session or private session. Each session is so different and being in a group situation can really heighten the energy, offer support and also be a lot of fun! We learn a lot from other peoples’ experiences and develop deep connections. Working in a private session can also allow you to have massive transformative experiences as well where you feel very safe to explore, receive dedicated attention to you and your process.
One thing I believe is very important, is to make sure whatever practice you are doing if you just beginning to always make sure you are working with a qualified and experienced Breathwork practitioner that can hold a safe container for you and the group.
I recommend to try both experiences, and over time you will get to know what your favourites are!
I hope this has helped clarify what you might expect. And if you have any other burning questions, reach out. Or even better, book in a session and give it a go for yourself! You can find our upcoming events and more information about private 1:1 sessions on our website www.rhythmofbreath.com.au
