Airwaves
A Breathwork Blog by Breathing Space
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What is Pranayama?
While both pranayama and Conscious Connected Breathwork (CCB) harness the power of breath for transformative purposes, their approaches, intentions, and philosophical underpinnings diverge. Pranayama, steeped in ancient yogic tradition, emphasizes the cultivation and balance of prana, the vital life force energy that animates our being. It's a structured practice, often guided by specific techniques and rhythms, with a focus on achieving physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. CCB, on the other hand, is a more intuitive and expressive practice, inviting practitioners to connect with their breath in a continuous, circular fashion, allowing for the release of emotional blockages and a deeper exploration of the subconscious.
The Science of Breathwork & Radical Acceptance
Listen to someone breathing. That's the sound of a human being doing something extraordinary. Not scaling a mountain or composing a symphony, but simply breathing. It's a primal act, one we perform thousands of times a day without even thinking about it.
And yet, science is beginning to reveal that this seemingly mundane act holds profound implications for our physical and mental well-being. Researchers are uncovering a fascinating connection between our breath, our brains, and our ability to navigate the complex landscape of human emotions.
The latest findings actually suggest that the key to unlocking the full potential of breathwork might not lie in striving for some idealized state of zen. It might, in fact, reside in something far more radical: the simple act of accepting ourselves, flaws and all, right here, right now.
It sounds counterintuitive. In a world that bombards us with messages about self-improvement and constant striving, the idea of accepting ourselves as we are can feel like giving up.
The Art of Acceptance in Breathwork
I remember the first time I tried breathwork. It was at a retreat center in Ubud, Bali. You know the type – lush jungle, the distant sound of gamelan music, and more yoga mats than you can shake a stick of incense at. The facilitator, a serene man in white linen clothes and long white beard and hair. "Just breathe," he said, his voice as smooth as the rice paddies outside, "and let whatever comes up, come up."
So there I was, lying on a mat, surrounded by blissed-out strangers, all of us breathing like we were running a marathon while perfectly still. And let me tell you, what came up was... rage. Blinding, white-hot rage.
For an hour, while everyone around me seemed to be floating on clouds of ecstasy, I was a volcano of anger. I was mad at the mosquito buzzing near my ear, furious at the sweat trickling down my back, someone was touching me, and why was that guy making so much noise when he was breathing?! I had visions of getting up, kicking someone in the head and storming out. But of course, I’m too polite to ever make a scene.
Why Do People Do Breathwork?
Breathwork has become a bit of a buzzword in the wellness world these days, and for good reason. It seems like everyone, from your yoga teacher to your therapist, is talking about the power of intentional or conscious breathing. But why exactly do people do breathwork? What's all the fuss about?
The answer is surprisingly simple: breathwork is incredibly versatile. It can do so much more than just help you relax after a long day (although it definitely does that too!). While it's often linked to healing trauma and reducing stress, breathwork's potential goes way beyond those areas.