For those of you who might enjoy a bit of geeking out like me: Firstly, I implore you to challenge yourself to first experience the effects ahead of forming a point of view. I'm a big believer in adopting a growth mindset, questioning assumptions, non-judgement, and endless possibility.  If that sparks curiosity in you, then perhaps you'll agree that there might be something unexpected (and potentially wonderful) in taking a look at this through the lens of the body's experience ahead of the mind.  Secondly, hang tight; I will go deeper to help bring understanding around what it is that we experience in this transformational process. Please consider subscribing to the email list if you are curious about leaning more about the many possibilities of applying breathwork to balancing overall health - the current scientifically validated knowledge as well as stories of experiential knowing.  I have some pretty big aspirations around this, but all good things take time. I encourage you to have patience with yourself as well; perhaps commit to exploring a week of daily practice before deciding whether this is for you or not. Most importantly, begin with connecting to your current needs (the basic human need as opposed to the solution you think you need). I'm meaning needs like ease, healing, vitality, focus, joy, space, connection, empathy, acceptance... When you know what it is you need to bring greater balance into life, you'll be able to select a session to suit your current needs and experience the positive benefits breathwork can offer. If you are at the stage that you don't know what you need, take heart, we all face that at times. Perhaps start with a CALM & CONNECTED (session to help you drop down from your head into your heart. I also request patience as I build out my suite of sessions to meet your needs. Perhaps you have an urgent unmet need, and would like to reach out with a suggestion for a theme for a session. I love taking inspiration from people I'm connected to. ​ When practicing together in a live session we begin with a brief movement practice to activate the body, get the blood flowing, and prepare us to shift gears; supporting our ability to move between the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.   Movement components are geared to the focus and intention of the class. Some classes are designed to calm the nervous system, others are oriented to stimulating repair and increasing metabolic activity and generating energy uplifting the mind. ​ Following movement we typically go into a short round of vocal toning. Okay, maybe it sounds a bit woo-woo or you're concerned that it might have religious affiliations that aren't reflective of your beliefs. Be assured, these classes are not in any way religious. I honour all religion, do not my self follow any, and am inspired by many. I encourage you to let go of any preconceived notions and experience the effects; after all it's been around for thousands of years for a reason, and it feels really good. If you keep reading , you'll hear more about why it's known as the 'miracle molecule'.  ​ The sound of 'Ahhh' is something we can all relate to, or so I hope. It means we're shifting gears, slowing down, feeling relief, and being in the moment. The sound 'Ohhhhh' speaks to the state of curiosity and wonder; it's no wonder the tone of the sound resonates at the same frequency of the heart. The sound 'Mmmmm' tells a story of pleasure and enjoyment. Humming is shown to activate the vagus nerve, calming the body and moving it out of fight, flight, freeze mode into rest, digest, relax, mode.   Vocal toning also stimulates production of Nitric Oxide in the paranasal sinus cavities. which acts as a vasodilator and bronchodilator, helping bring vital nutrients and oxygen to cells. Nitric Oxide is sometimes known as the 'miracle molecule' being amongst the most potent antioxidants produced in the human body. Nitric Oxide not only supports our cardiovascular system, digestive system and memory, it encourages release of growth hormones and insulin. You may have heard about how it supports male sexual health because of its ability to expand blood vessels. It also up regulates  immunity by driving pro-inflammatory promotion. Sorry, geeking out! ​ ​ Back to what a Connected Breath - SOMA Breath Session is all about. After movement and sometimes a bit of vocalising, we go into our breathwork portion.  Often we'll get going with an intention setting to focus the mind toward bringing energy to what it is that you are wanting to achieve. This is a similar practice to what the world's most accomplished athletes use to break records expanding our understanding of what the human body is capable of achieving. We then begin breathing in a rhythm in a way that supports the desired outcome of the session. Intermittently, we will pause and hold our breath either after the exhale or after the inhale to achieve certain desired effects; as each type of breath hold has a different impact and potential outcome.