My First Breathwork Experience
It was a bitter cold February evening as I paced outside of Maha Rose in Brooklyn, New York wondering why I was about to spend my Friday with hippies and not with my friends.
I had no idea what I was about to get myself into. My beloved coach Dana suggested I try Breathwork a few weeks prior if I wanted to up my spirituality game. I responded with a swift 'no'. Yet here I was, frantically pacing in front of a warm healing center about to embark on a night that would change my life forever.
I eventually emerged into the heavily saged space that felt like someones living room - did I belong here? Group settings aren't my thing and the people attending looked professionally successful and ethereally beautiful. I grabbed a seat and I tried to accept whatever was about to come my way.
The guide opened the circle with a calming voice and loving words which eased my nerves. She had us all go around the circle and share one thing we want to release that evening. I immediately felt bonded to the group since I realized we were far more alike than we appeared.
We learned how the breath cycle worked and all thirty of us got situated on the floor. We were close, like bodies touching close. The music started and audible emotional sounds began... I thought to myself, what in the hell did I sign up for? I was trying to keep an open mind - I began the breath sequence. My body quickly responded with a flood of tingles and I was shocked. The woman next to me began to cry and my initial reaction was to help her. Instead of responding to that reaction - I cried with her.
Without notice, flashes of my deepest relationships flooded my mind. I recalled experiences of every instance where my friends were there to support me. Every difficult life moment. Every fun random adventure. I was overcome with joy. Before I knew it, I was audibly laughing. I felt a calming sense of release.
The breath journey lasted roughly thirty five minutes and was followed by a peaceful resting period. We sat as a group after and some shared their experiences. I sat with tear stained cheeks, leaning on someone in profound gratitude for our connection and in a deep stupor as to what had just cracked open in me. I felt lighter.
I have always sought to feel safe and protected from outside sources. I now had an understanding that I could access that feeling within myself through this practice. I instantly knew I needed to explore this more. I needed to share this with others.
