Welcome to the November newsletter!
This month,l I’d like to revisit the topic of Breathwork and its connection to trauma. If you’ve been following the recent newsletters, you’ll know trauma has been a focal point in my writing. As I continue exploring this area, I’ve come across several powerful references to Breathwork
and its benefits. Recently, I also received a 30-day free trial of NeuroDynamic Breathwork, which offers a range of sessions and protocols. I’ll be sharing my experience and insights with you in this month’s edition.
Michael Stone, the creator of NeuroDynamic Breathwork explains the protocol in a short video that delves into… The Science of Breathwork – What REALLY Happens in Your Brain and Body During Breathwork?
In his words “In NeuroDynamic Breathwork, carefully chosen music, permission to release and faster, deeper breathing are woven together in a cosmic dance of opening up, surrendering and letting go” Stone explains the hyperventilation practiced in the breathwork lowers CO2 levels in the blood, temporarily increasing its alkalinity. This state reduces blood flow to the brain, especially to thefrontal cortex, which is part of the Default Mode Network. The Default Mode Network, often referred to as “the seat of the ego”, is responsible for our sense of self and the perceived separation from others and nature. When activity in this network is reduced, the ego’s grip on the mind loosens, allowing us to feel a sense of unity with the universe During my trial, I completed about ten sessions and will share some of my experience below.
Before I begin, it is important to understand that trauma is often released as it’s felt. In my first session, I encountered my trauma quite vividly. Within the first hour of breathing, I was flooded with a profound feeling of terror. Despite the guidance to stay present in my body, I had to shift my focus to my mind to reassure myself that, regardless of my emotions, I was safe. The rest of the session passed without further incident.
The most transformative session took place on October 17 – the evening of a full moon, which I always feel very strongly. This session began with a bit of fear, though much less intense than my initial experience, and it soon faded. Suddenly, I found myself crying uncontrollably. For the
first time in my life, I truly understood my mother and the struggles that she faced. I realized how proud I was of her accomplishments and acknowledged that, in truth,I had been the one showing her disrespect, not the other way around. My mother passed away eight years ago, and we hadn’t spoken for the last twenty years of her life, so I had been carrying this pain and sadness in my body all these years.
As my crying subsided, my body began to shake – a common reaction when releasing trapped emotions. I then turned the compassion I felt for my mother inward, honoring and appreciating myself and all that I’ve accomplished. Shortly afterward, a powerful song in an unfamiliar language began playing and I felt compelled to dance. My movements became a mix of pure expression and utter abandon; I found myself gyrating on the floor like a crazed maniac. The vision of myself dancing so freely made me laugh uncontrollably. In just three hours, I experienced nearly every emotion possible, and by the end of the session, I felt lighter and more at peace. .
The other sessions I had were much more relaxing, I experienced a mystical sense of connection, feeling at one with everything and everyone in nature, though none were as intense as that transformative session. Overall, I found the breathwork experience profoundly moving and would highly recommend it to anyone dealing with trauma or seeking to release something held in the body.
A word of caution: Breathwork is very powerful. I recommend doing it in a group setting, like the one I participated in, or with others to ensure you have support if needed.
Thank you for reading. With warmest wishes, Your WILDFIT coach.
