how breathwork changed my life
The Tree of Life inside us
Article for Spinoza with co-author Bram van Leeuwen
Until recently, I used to think that everyone around me was ‘more emotional’ than I was. When lovesick friends asked me for advice I said: “Dear, I don’t feel as much as you do, so I genuinely wouldn’t know.”
It wasn’t the case that I couldn't enjoy life. I could. I felt the highs but didn’t acknowledge the lows. It wasn’t that my life was only pink skies, parties, cherry lemonade and sunny days. Of course, there was a shadow side to it. Only I refused to see it.
"Ignorance is bliss", they say..
And I must admit that it’s kind of true. Until you hit a wall. I hit that wall when I was about thirty years old. Life, with all its shadows, nearly swallowed me. And, I, the girl with the pink glasses, couldn't handle it. I was so little in tune with my emotions, that they consumed me. I became the emotion, as I had pushed down my own shadow for so long, and I didn't know how to deal with it.
Until one day I started breathing.
I came across conscious connected breathing by chance. Although I believe that everything happens for a reason. But I never could have dreamed that it would change my life so drastically. By breathing I could finally feel. Truly, really feel. So many things from the past that were stored in my body that had never seen the light, came out in breathing sessions. I cried the tears that I couldn’t cry as a kid. I screamed. I kicked and sometimes flew like an angel. And after some sessions, finally, joy and laughter came. I laughed like a little child, and felt playfulness, joy and sensuality arising inside me like never before. It was a joy beyond reason. It was just pure happiness and peace coming from within. Breathing is not a highway to heaven. But it certainly can get you on the right track. It’s for all who struggle to feel. For all who think that they can solve everything with their minds. For all who value facts more than feelings and for everyone who’s ready for a new chapter in life.
The New Science of a Lost Art
Our breath is our most essential source of life and has an immense influence on our system. It can even be applied as a tool to reach altered states of consciousness.
In case you’re not convinced yet, we’ve put together some facts to help you understand the power of the breath. Most of these insights come from journalist James Nestor, who wrote the bestselling book ‘Breath’ - a highly recommendable read.
Some of the most striking insights that I got from reading this book and learning more about the science behind breathing are:
In our normal state, breathing less is better. A ratio of 5:5 seconds in and out is preferable. Spinoza has recorded a similar breathing technique called 'Resonance Breathing' which you can practice with our Spinoza app.
Changing the way we breathe, can reduce chronic inflammation, which is linked to sleep apnea, arthritis, Type 2 diabetes, and other autoimmune disorders, it can jump-start athletic performance, rejuvenate internal organs, halt snoring, asthma, and even straighten scoliotic spines. Isn't that remarkable?
Breathing out is at least as important as breathing in. How this works? Read the book ;)
And, then about my favourite practice style: Conscious Connected Breathing, I found these health benefits. Practicing regularly more intense breathing practices such as Tummo Breathing, Wim Hof, Holotropic Breathing or Conscious Connected Breathing can have these health benefits:
Regulating stress level
Reduces inflammation in the body
Can help with anxiety and depression
Increasing lung capacity
Lowering blood pressure
Helps with managing asthma and eczema symptoms
Improves sleep
Curious, and want to experience the magic of breathing?
UPCOMING BREATHWORK CIRCLES
Monday 23 October - Breathwork & Microdose Circle in the magical Salon in Ruigoord. More info here
Tuesday 21 November - Breathwork & Microdose Circle - FULL
With Spinoza - On 4 and 5 January 2024, we're hosting a ceremony in Amsterdam that combines the Conscious Connected Breathing Practice with an (optional) truffle microdose. More info & tickets: https://spinoza.co/breathwork-microdose-ceremony/
