Breath Awareness Meditation
It is impossible to meditate without breathing and it is impossible to focus on the pattern of your breath without some form of awareness. Some would also say, without a small moment of meditation. How we do all three, makes a difference to our overall wellbeing. I wish I had known 10 years ago that just by changing the way I breathe, I could improve my own symptoms of anxiety which impacts on mental health, self esteem and overall wellbeing.
Many practitioners promote high intensity breathwork which in the right place can bring benefit, a natural high and feelings of euphoria. However, this is not the technique that will help you in everyday life, combat the daily strains or help you to get through each day in a more mindful and fulfilling way.
The foundation of Breath Awareness Meditation comes from a place of learning to slow, be still and learn to comfortable be in silence. To be in the play of 'the pause' between the chaos of life and the calm to come. the pause is the place where the work happens and we breathe with intention.
For many people, this is not an easy task as we busy our lives with movement and sound all the time and rarely take time to just be and 'pause'. We are human beings not human doings! In a session you may go within the mind, and tap into your own consciousness which also means identifying our own strengths and areas we may wish to develop. We will use the power of the breath to calm, nurture and harmonise the mind and relax the body and gradually, breath by breath you will notice improvements.
What you may experience during a full session
Each session will start with a welcome and introduction to the session (no introductions expected from anyone else unless you would like to, so please relax - I find this intimidating too), followed by two sounds of the bell. In the practice of Engaged Buddhism, this indicates that we are ready to be present with mindful awareness. We will then complete a few mindful movements which are simple stretches that will wake up the body and help to release stress and tension, influenced by Yoga, Tai Chi, the Five Tibetan Rights and The Ten Mindful movements devised by Thich Nhat Hanh, founder of Engaged Buddhism. They are low impact and you won't end up sweating like you have just done a workout!
This will follow with a series of breathwork exercise which will range from slow, shallow breaths to deeper, strong breaths where you may feel physical or emotional sensations. If the class is more experienced and it is suitable to do so, more extreme breathwork may take place. We will move into a meditation which will be partially guided and if you are new to meditation, this is a great place to start.
You may be advised to sit or lay down, however the most important thing is that you are comfortable so just do what is right for you. You will not be expected to do anything you don't want to and can take time out at any time.
Music from LifeSonics
Music is a very important of the experience you will have during meditation and breathwork and I will be predominantly using amazing tracks from lifeSonics This music has been composed for different therapeutic purposes such as relaxation, sleep, pain, improving mood-state and reducing anxiety
You will be provided with the exact tracks used in each session so you can replicate this at home if you wish.
Access for all
If you are experiencing financial hardship and feel that this service may benefit you, please drop me a message, No judgement. I will do my best to support you at this time. I truly believe that none should be excluded from accessing resources which may support their health.