(This is part of my 20 minute writing practice. I write for 20 minutes, check for typos, choose a pic if I’ve time – and press send! you can find out more here)
Ok, timer on….
Energy has been playing it’s part in my life lately, with my own daily experience and that of my client’s.
‘Energy’ or, it’s absence, has come to the fore as a significant, if not one of the the key components to wellbeing.
As part of my work I have spent time experimenting with varied breathing techniques, from my Dramatherapy, my singing, right through to Yoga and meditation.
If you can make a little time – breathing is bloody wonderful!
It can support you on a number of levels – if you are mindful of how you breath. Not the normal, unconscious shallow breathing you are doing right now, but mindful, conscious breathing.
If you have a few minutes here is how:
(Read until the end before you embark on this….)
Perhaps listen to one of the tracks I have listed below – or even all of them! My favoured Breathwork technique for energising, is lying down (if possible where you are!), somewhere where you won’t be disturbed for 5 – 10- 15 minutes or so.
This type is a 3 part breath, 2 inhales and one exhale. The first inhale using the expansion of the abdomen and then the second inhale expanding the chest, and then breath out in one out breath. When you remember, keep the shoulders relaxed. Inhale and exhale through the mouth for a more energising impact, or through the nose if you want to take it easier.
This really is a fully somatic experience! And here is why…
The oxygen in your bloodstream, within about a minute of this technique, will reach your brain, which activates the pituitary gland and your hypothalamus which then begins to flood your brain and body with a mix of hormones, including endorphins. Within a quite a short space of time, your energy levels begin to rise. You will feel tingles or a numbness, sometimes around your face, or in the tips of your fingers, anywhere. Sometimes there can also be a release of emotion, just allow yourself to feel it. That’s ok and can be very beneficial to releasing tension or stress which is causing your energy to be low.
Trust the process.
Keep breathing.
And then after the time you set, hold the breath in for 40-60 seconds if you can, and then breath all the way out until your lungs are as empty as you can make them, and hold the out breath for 40-60 seconds. Then return to your regular breathing rhythm, but a little more mindfully.
This is breathWORK. It is called work for a reason! It can be hard work! But keep going for the time you set, and you will begin to feel the benefits.
If you have any questions please just email or whatsapp me. I would happily offer you a 20 minute breathwork session as a gift.
If you are pregnant or have high blood pressure then make sure you check with your doctor before taking on any significant breathwork. Perhaps for now, listen to these tracks and just mindfully breath more deeply.
And then notice. and enjoy the sensations and experience that arises.
Until next time….
With all the difficulties that are happening right now in the world, if you know of anyone who could benefit from coaching, anywhere, I offer pro-bono coaching engagements with charities, or with those who need it as part of my practice. Please get in touch to talk it through.
If you’d like to read a few more of these, then please sign up at the very bottom of this webpage. And if you would like to experience coaching with me I always offer a free 1 hour coaching session, with no sales, just coaching. You can book it here.
Joey is a fully qualified Theatre for Development Practitioner and Certified Strategic Intervention (SI) Coach under teachers Tony Robbins, Chloe Madanes, Mark Peysha and Magali Peysha, with 20 years experience in the field of facilitating, training and coaching.
Joey Owen - Confidence Coach 