Preparing For
Holotropic Breathwork
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theres never been a serious tree
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I’d like to preface that the following words are simply a suggestion.
There is no right way to do anything, except what arises out of you in each moment. Whether we are breathing together, meditating alone, walking the dog, drinking water or preparing for an upcoming breathwork session- it is all an exploration. If it feels right- do it. Experiment. Change. Nothing is static.
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In preparing for your breathwork session, the guiding light is to take it easy.
In the time before, particularly in the week and days before a breathwork session:
Take in less highly stimulating stuff like violent movies, challenging energy, stimulants.
Take in less dulling stuff like grass, alcohol, big heavy rich meals, empty content.
Drink more water.
Clear your to do list.
Schedule less. Build a schedule buffer. On the day of your breathwork session, it’s helpful to not have any concrete plans or important conversations- same goes for the day before. It’s nice to keep this time for you.
Reduce inputs, especially about Holotropic Breathwork. I’ll cover some specifics of the experience that are helpful to know below- I’ve found that taking in other peoples “trip reports” , watching Youtube videos about how something “is” can create limiting assumptions about what our experience can hold.
Plus up your intake on things that make you feel grounded, whole, in your bag. This is listed last but it takes precedent over the preceding bullets. If it’s for you, it’s for you. If it brings you into deep love for you, it is a ok.
These observances aren’t to make the experience more powerful, or more visually stimulating- they’re suggestions to calm the chatter in mind, the fuzz, so when you’re lying on your back breathing you can drop into the knowledge within you with less crackle on the radio.
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How will this go and what should I bring?
Eat a grounding, clean, generally light breakfast. Fruit is cool. Take in water. Cup of coffee is alright but maybe not with an extra shot. If theres any other non-critical stimulants in your life you can avoid the day of it can be really beneficial.
Dress in loose clothing that’s comfortable to move and lay and roll around in. You may not do any of those things in the session, but you don’t want to feel tight and uncomfortable should you get the urge.
Bring a comfortable mat or pad to lay on, and bedding that makes you feel good. A blanket with some heft to it and preferred pillow are so sweet to have. Some folks bring bolsters etc and that’s also very cool. What would you want if you’re gonna be doing work on the floor for a couple of hours?
The session will begin and end with a sharing circle- nothing needs to be said at this time but if the feeling strikes you, the space is there. After the intial sharing, there will be a simple breathing instruction, opportunities for questions, and then a short meditation leading into the breathwork session.
During a breathwork session there will be noise, all kinds of sounds. Rhythmic sounds, sudden sounds, music sounds. Bring ear plugs- not because anything will be particularly loud but it could be to you at a time. Having ear plugs gives you the opportunity to tune in and drop off the sounds of the room.
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Most importantly, hold lightly onto this session. You’ve done every thing right leading up to this moment and that is not going to change. The session will be exactly what it will be for you.
Towards the horizon.
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Altar Of Now, based in San Francisco, is the work and calling of Bholenath. If you have any questions please email bholenath@altarofnow.com or for longer conversations or explorations, click here: Talk to Bholenath