GROUP EXPERIENCES
Group Offerings
Breathwork
Breathwork can be done individually, but I prefer the power of the group connection. The style that I facilitate, the practice begins with gentle movement, breath, and intention setting. After the intention-setting process, we will begin a deep, circular breathing pattern. This powerful way of breathing invokes physiological changes in the body. These changes turn down the volume on the default mode network, or the ongoing mental chatter in our minds. When that happens, outdated, unconscious, and often limiting beliefs lose their grip, allowing deeper aspects of the Self to arise, aspects that are more closely aligned with the practitioners' heartfelt desires. This work has the potential to invoke to intense emotional breakthroughs and insights.
Please note that this practice is powerful and can be activating. Unlike other yoga practices that I teach, which can be adapted for almost anyone, it does have contraindications. It's an amazing experience for a lot of people, but please be sure to read the entire page below to make sure it's a good fit for your group.
Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra also involves a powerful intention setting practice, however in yoga nidra we are working from a deeply relaxed state, whereas breathwork is a much more activating practice. We will begin with gentle movement and then be guided into yogic "sleep," which is a state in which we float along the continuum between wakefulness and sleep. It is deeply restorative to the nervous system and gives the body and mind a complete reset.
Corporate Classes
I'm happy to discuss bring active yoga classes to any setting as a special event or ongoing offering. I teach everything from restorative (deep relaxation) to gentle stretching to active strengthening classes. Please reach out and we can talk about what you're looking for.
Benefits of Breathwork
This breathwork technique involves deep and rapid breathing that oxygenates your entire body, activates stores of energy, and has the potential to change and deepen your state of consciousness. The effects are myriad and differ greatly from person from person and from experience to experience.
Almost all practitioners will experience one or more of the following:
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Increased energy
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New insights about their life
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A cathartic release of emotions, often letting go of long-held, block emotions
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A new sense of empowerment to make needed changes in their lives
For folks in recovery:
Breathwork is a modality that facilitates emotional release and helps people clarify their intentions for themselves, making it an especially effective and beneficial practice for people who have struggled with addictions.
Breathwork is done without the use of chemicals or plants. You are always in control of your experience, and if any of the effects become overwhelming or uncomfortable, all you have to do is return to your normal breathing. Your body will return to homeostasis rapidly.
Contraindications of Breathwork:
Breathwork is very safe for most people, but here are some of the noted contraindications:
Pregnancy
Cardiovascular disease
High blood pressure
History of aneurysms (including family)
Epilepsy or history of seizures
History of psychosis
Osteoporosis
Recent surgery
Glaucoma
An active addiction
Untreated mental illness
If you are unsure whether breathwork is right for you, please check with your doctor.
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How are recovery mentoring different than coaching or other types of therapy?While I do have the the qualifications for wellness coaching, my philosophical allegiance is with peer support and the long history of yoga teachers working with students 1-on-1. I start from there and integrate other modalities when they are helpful. I am not a therapist, nor do I have the qualifications to offer therapy. My goal is to guide you to discover new ways of experiencing and interacting with the world that lead to greater health in all the domains of your life. The primary vehicle we will use is yoga, broadly defined as a system of practices that lead to a quieter mind and a life filled with purpose. This is not physical therapy either. Physical therapy uses a targeted approach for a specific area of the body. Yoga works with the body as a whole, seeing physical health as inseparable from mental health. Our goal when working with the physical body will be to address root causes of suffering such as chronic stress or unhelpful movement patterns. They often go together. Integrative yoga sessions complement and support the work of other healing modalities, including western medicine.
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I take prescriptions or use other healing modalities. What are your feelings about that?I take a solutions-oriented, person-first approach to well-being. I strongly believe that everyone gets to decide what bests supports their recovery and that everyone's journey is unique. Neither yoga nor recovery is one-size-fits-all. My work with you will always support your choices regarding other modalities, including western medicine. Part of what we do together is integrate all of the avenues of healing that you find useful.
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What is the difference between the breathwork we do in yoga and breathwork experiences?Pranayama is the traditional yogic term for breathing practices. Most breath instruction given in yoga classes is meant to encourage a state of "rest and digest." It is generally gentle and relaxing. The style of breathwork done in experience sessions is a specific breathing technique that intentionally stimulates your nervous system for a limited period of time. It is hard work, and the effects are often dramatic and life-changing. If what you want to learn are breath practices that improve focus, relaxation, and awareness, or if you want to work on improving your default breathing patterns, then integrative yoga sessions are a better fit. If you are looking for a more intense experience to rapidly shift your perspective, clear blocks, or release stored emotions, then this style of breathwork will be a great place to start. Most of us benefit from both.
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How intense is the altered state of consciousness that occurs during breathwork?The intensity of this altered state will be perceived differently by each person and at each session. The important thing to know is that you are always in control! You have not ingested a chemical or plant substance. If you feel overwhelmed at any point, you can stop the technique and return to normal breathing, which will quickly bring you back to homeostasis.
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Is breathwork safe?Breathwork is a healing modality that is safe and effective for most people. Having said that, please read the list of contraindications listed below. The beauty of breathwork is that are always in control of your experience. Unlike when taking a chemical or plant substance, the effects of breathwork quickly pass simply by breathing normally. If you become overwhelmed for any reason, you can simply discontinue the technique and breathe slowly through your nose. The only two responses I have seen which may feel uncomfortable are an intense emotional release and a physical symptom called tetany. Tetany is muscular cramping, typically in the hands. It is not harmful, and it passes when the breath returns to normal. Intense emotional experiences will likely feel cathartic and necessary, but they may also feel overwhelming. Remember that you are 100% in charge. You simply return to your normal breath and your body will quickly return to homeostasis.
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Are there contraindications for breathwork?Yes. Here are some commonly discussed contraindications for this type of breathwork. Please be aware that this list is not meant to be exhaustive. Please check with your doctor before participating if you have questions or concerns. Pregnancy Cardiovascular disease High blood pressure History of aneurisms (including family) Epilepsy or history of seizures History of psychosis Osteoporosis Recent surgery Glaucoma An active addiction Untreated mental illness
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Are there contraindications for yoga?No! There are contraindications for particular poses, but not for the practice itself. We will address potential contraindications together based on your health history. Having particular health concerns that may affect your practice is a great reason to take private yoga classes. With guidance, yoga is a very safe practice that can be tailored to every body.
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What is the difference between the breathwork we do in yoga and conscious, connected breathwork?Pranayama is the traditional yogic term for breathing practices. Most breath instruction given in yoga classes is meant to encourage a state of "rest and digest." It is generally gentle and relaxing. Conscious, connected breathwork is a specific breathing technique that intentionally stimulates your nervous system for a limited period of time. It is hard work, and the effects are often dramatic and life-changing. If what you want to learn are breath practices that improve focus, relaxation, and awareness, or if you want to work on improving your default breathing patterns, then integrative yoga sessions are a better fit. If you are looking for a more intense experience to rapidly shift your perspective, clear blocks, or release stored emotions, then conscious, connected breathwork will be a great place to start. Most of us benefit from both.
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How intense is the altered state of consciousness that occurs during breathwork?The intensity of this altered state will be perceived differently by each person and at each session. The important thing to know is that you are always in control! You have not ingested a chemical or plant substance. If you feel overwhelmed at any point, you can stop the technique and return to normal breathing, which will quickly bring you back to homeostasis.
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Is breathwork safe?Breathwork is a healing modality that is safe and effective for most people. It can be intense, but it's your breath and you always get to decide how to breathe! Having said that, please read the list of contraindications listed below. The beauty of breathwork is that are always in control of your experience. Unlike when taking a chemical or plant substance, the effects of breathwork quickly pass simply by breathing normally. If you become overwhelmed for any reason, you can simply discontinue the technique and breathe slowly through your nose. The only two responses I have seen which may feel uncomfortable are an intense emotional release and a physical symptom called tetany. Tetany is muscular cramping, typically in the hands. It is not harmful, and it passes when the breath returns to normal. Intense emotional experiences will likely feel cathartic and necessary, but they may also feel overwhelming. Remember that you are 100% in charge. You simply return to your normal breath and your body will quickly return to homeostasis.
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Are there contraindications for breathwork?Yes. Here are some commonly discussed contraindications for this type of breathwork. Please be aware that this list is not meant to be exhaustive. Please check with your doctor before participating if you have questions or concerns. Pregnancy Cardiovascular disease High blood pressure History of aneurisms (including family) Epilepsy or history of seizures History of psychosis Osteoporosis Recent surgery Glaucoma An active addiction Untreated mental illness