What does a conscious breath create?

A client began our 6pm coaching conversation by sharing how busy her day had been and running through what had happened since our last conversation. As she spoke there was a lot of buzzing energy, as though she were in a sort of race to lay it all out, and it was clear that her mind was working quickly as it circled around-and-around her concern of time management. She shared many examples of why she wanted to have better time management and why it was causing SO much stress and frustration in her life.

As we continued to explore this a bit more, there was a clear sense of being stuck and that making any change would be really hard. Her mind was just not seeing a way to create more time – well that seems logical, right?

At this impasse I invited her to take a pause and experiment with a few full, nourishing breaths with me.

She was happy to try this, so I led her through a moment of heart-centered, belly breaths before we continued.

Her first words were “Wow, I didn’t realize how much I needed that.”

Following this, there was a clear shift in her energy and we uncovered what was underneath the idea that she needed to better manage her time. There was an ease and knowing of what she wanted to do differently over the next week. Her posture now conveyed a calm confidence. And there were likely other positive shifts as well, though we didn't check her blood pressure to confirm.

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So what happened?

How is it possible that a few breaths could have such an impact for her?

In this instance we practiced what is called heart coherence breath which enabled her to access the wisdom within her body, her heart’s truth, as her stress-response switched off. And while an explanation of what was happening wasn't necessary for the magic to unfold, the process did necessitate her trust and openness to following my cues.

Did I know what would happen?

Not exactly, though I knew that she had the answers within and as I sensed that there was a disconnect between what her mind was saying and what was true in her heart, so we gave this breath option a try. As a long-time breathwork practitioner I have experienced, seen and studied the science of how powerful our breath pattern is and how healing breathing well can be.

Is this instance unique? Not at all. Even one conscious breath can change our physiological, mental and emotional state - though often for those of us new to re-patterning our breath it takes repeated practice.

Whether we are aware of it or not, how we breathe is impacting how we live.

As a holistic life and wellness coach, I love incorporating embodiment practices such as breathwork into coaching conversations because they can be so powerful and can help create lasting transformations for my clients.

So, how is your breath, your breathing right now?

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Would you like to take a moment to try the heart coherence breath?

The essence of this breath practice is slow diaphragmatic breaths, bringing the breath down into your belly, while bringing your attention to your heart space.

Here are the steps:

• Sit-up tall or lay down comfortably with your eyes closed or your gaze softened, once you begin.

• Breathe in and out through your nose, filling your belly with air.

• Aim for about a 6 count inhale, pause, 6 count exhale, pause.

• At the beginning, imagine releasing any heavy energy, feelings or thoughts - exhale this out fully, let it go for a couple of breaths.

• Then, begin attuning to the feeling of joy, love, contentment, or peace radiating into and from your heart space - breathe in this truth from all around you, into your heart space. Recalling a cherished memory or a loved-one can help us feel into this emotion. Sense this feeling flowing in and out through your heart space as you breath.

Okay?

Set a few minutes on a timer for your practice if you’d like. Begin tuning into your breath and proceed with the instructions above.

Let's check-in. How are you feeling now?

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If you’re curious about coaching - send me a message, let's connect!

This October we are offering a heart-centered group coaching experience where we will be incorporating mind-body alignment, healing conversations and various somatic practices. This is a great opportunity for those seeking an intimate, supportive, healing community; for those interested in experiencing and learning various tools; and those desiring to be more empowered and aligned with their true self. Space is limited, get in touch today!