Discovering Breathwork: What to Expect, How It Helps, and Why It’s Worth Trying
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of guiding an incredible group of individuals through a Transformative Breathwork class at The Healing Sanctuary. What struck me most about this group was that none of them had tried breathwork before—some didn’t even fully know what they had signed up for. And yet, by the end of the session, the transformation in the room was palpable.
If you’re considering breathwork but have no idea what to expect, let me offer a glimpse into what this practice can do and why it’s worth trying. I'll also share a couple of stories from that session to help you envision what it might be like for you.
What Is Breathwork?
Breathwork is a guided practice of conscious breathing that helps reset your body, mind, and emotions. Think of it as hitting the “refresh” button on your nervous system. By focusing on intentional breathing patterns, you can unlock physical, emotional, and energetic shifts. These shifts often lead to greater clarity, calmness, and even healing.
What Can You Expect in a Breathwork Session?
When you attend a breathwork class, you can expect to be guided through specific breathing techniques in a safe, supportive environment. There’s no need to “perform” or “achieve” anything—your body naturally knows what to do. As the facilitator, my job is to guide you, provide a space where you feel secure, and help you tap into the innate wisdom of your breath.
Each session is unique, and outcomes vary from person to person. Here are a few possibilities:
Physical Benefits: Many people discover they've been breathing shallowly for years without realizing it. As one participant recently put it, "That’s the first time I’ve taken a real deep breath since I can remember.” Learning to breathe deeply into your diaphragm can relieve stress, lower your heart rate, and restore your body to a state of balance.
Emotional Release: For others, breathwork allows them to access emotions they may not have been able to fully feel or release. One woman in our group had been trying for years to let go of emotions tied to old stories. After the session, she shared that breathwork gave her the permission and space to finally release them.
Energetic Shifts: Some participants experience a sense of profound clarity or calm, while others may feel an “aha moment” that shifts their perspective. Whether subtle or life-changing, these energetic shifts often ripple out into other areas of life.
How Breathwork Benefits You
In our busy, over-scheduled lives, we often don’t realize how shallow breathing keeps us stuck in a state of stress and “fight or flight.” Breathwork retrains your body to breathe deeply, calming your nervous system and creating space for transformation. Some of the benefits include:
Stress Relief: Activate your body’s natural relaxation response.
Emotional Healing: Gently process and release stuck emotions.
Mental Clarity: Access deep meditative states that quiet the noise in your mind.
Increased Energy: Restore your body’s natural energy flow.
Why Vulnerability Matters
What makes breathwork truly magical is the vulnerability it inspires. It’s not always easy to try something new, especially if you don’t know what to expect. But the rewards are profound when you allow yourself to show up and be open.
During the session, I witnessed participants move from hesitation to connection—both with themselves and with others in the room. Vulnerability creates this shared energy that’s hard to put into words. It’s sacred, transformative, and always unique to each individual.
Why Should You Try Breathwork?
Whether you’re looking for stress relief, a way to reconnect with yourself, or a tool to help you process emotions, breathwork is a practice worth exploring. It doesn’t require any special skills or preparation—just a willingness to breathe and be present.
The shifts may be subtle or profound, but they are always meaningful. And who knows? You might just walk away saying, “That was not what I was expecting at all—in the best possible way.”
If you’ve been curious about breathwork but hesitant to take the leap, consider this your invitation to give it a try. I’d love to welcome you into a session and help you discover the incredible power of your breath.
Check our Classes page for Breathwork group classes you can attend.
