I’ve been intrigued by breathwork for a while now. With friends who study and practice it, it’s been on my mind a lot more. So, I was thrilled to finally experience it firsthand at a women’s breath circle. It was a small, intimate group, perfect for my first time to practice a formal breath work experience.
I went in curious and open-minded, which I think is essential for your first breathwork class. Our leader, Melissa, was experienced and lovely, but naturally I had some anxiety going into it. Breathing is one of my anxiety triggers – I often feel like I can’t catch my breath or get enough oxygen. I was worried this might ruin my experience.
Preparing for My First Breathwork Session
The setting was incredibly peaceful. We had pillows, blankets, essential oils, and crystals, making it very cozy. I felt safe, especially being among friends. We started by journaling our intentions, focusing on what we wanted to release during this moon phase. Personally, I sought guidance, patience, and the ability to let go of control.
We got comfortable, put on eye masks to minimize distractions, and began the breathwork. The technique involved deep belly breathing, releasing stagnant energy, and bringing in new fire. I was instruceted to stick with a simple one-two breath: inhale into the belly, then exhale.
Breathwork can be intense as it pumps oxygen through your body, awakening your nervous system. At one point, we did a breath lock, which made me anxious at first. You take a big inhale, hold it as long as possible, then return to normal breathing. This is when the meditative trance sets in.
The Breathwork Experience
Everyone’s breathwork experience is unique. I didn’t have high expectations but was open to whatever might happen. During the breath lock, I had a vivid vision of what looked like a star observatory with bright blue hues and stars everywhere. It was quick but really set me off on my journey. Afterward, I saw purple hues, and began to see a flickering candle, despite my blindfold.
In this meditative state, I felt a bird’s-eye view of my life path, almost like a cheat sheet. It felt like I had a protective family presence guiding me through life’s experiences. This presence was comforting, like a parent holding their child. I even felt chills as I sensed this protective presence next to me. At first, I thought it was my dad, but I couldn’t be sure. It definitely felt like an ancestral lineage presence, though.
Reflections and Insights
As Melissa pulled us out of the meditation, my arms felt weightless. I felt a sense of letting go, knowing I was supported. A bright violet rose appeared as I transitioned back to reality. Later, I learned that these visions indicated opening my crown chakra, allowing me to accept help and feel protected.
The experience was enchanting and meditative. I felt very safe and as though I could open my eyes and remain in control at any moment while experiencing all of these wild images. I look forward to doing it again, knowing each session brings a new experience. Breathwork can be a beautiful practice, especially for those seeking calm and clarity amidst life’s busyness.
For anyone curious about breathwork, I hope my experience offers some insight. It’s worth exploring if you’re looking to incorporate a calming practice into your life. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or want to share your thoughts.
