Breath Empowerment is simply amazing. I feel like I am bathing in bliss. It is a must experience and I look forward to returning. The work and effort is worth the reward and Rebecca provides a safe and supportive environment for the experience to unfold. — J.R., Seattle, WA
What the heck is Breath Empowerment?
First of all, it’s important to understand that the empowerment is not given by another person or master, but by your own breath.
Although Breath Empowerment ends with a deep and slow belly breath, the primary focus of the Breath Empowerment practice itself involves a different kind of breath called the Warrior’s Breath.
The Warrior’s Breath is a strong inhale coming from the tip of your nose, and it’s audible. You should be able to hear it. The exhale though is gentle, just allowing gravity to do the work.
The Warrior’s Breath is a chest-focused breath, with the chest expanding and rising up. This is different than the abdominal breathing taught in Yoga or even in the standard Qigong belly breath. It’s still a deep, full breath, not shallow, but focusing on the chest rising, not on the belly rounding. Although the quiet belly breath of qigong is ideal for most of the time, these full, connected breaths into the chest serve a healing purpose.
Using this Warriors Breath breathing technique allows for large amounts of Qi to enter your body and create a vibration. The cycle of inhaling and exhaling is a connected, smooth, breathing rhythm, no pauses, no hesitation. This is important because many people hold their breath in daily life, such as when stressed, without even knowing it.
This Breath Empowerment practice will eventually correct a shallow subconscious breathing pattern. Some will feel this vibrating very powerfully like an engine and others will simply notice a slight tingling. It depends on your body constitution. Either way, you’ll be hyper-oxygenating and are likely to feel blissed out on oxygen and qi!
Breath Empowerment for beginners is a 35-minute practice in which you’re lying on a mat or pad on the floor and being guided along by a certified instructor. There is explanation and instruction before the practice begins. After it ends, we share our experiences because talking helps ground us. Alternatively or additionally, we practice some Qigong movements. After attending Breath Empowerment with a certified instructor, you may practice on your own along with a CD.
PLEASE NOTE: Although this practice is safe and healing, it is not advised for those who are pregnant or have seizure disorders. And individuals with irregular heart beat, high blood pressure, or asthma are discouraged from participating in Breath Empowerment without professional guidance.
When is the next Breath Empowerment?
TBD.... In the meantime, if you'd like a private session, contact me.