When I first moved to Los Angeles 4 years ago, I heard the healing term “Breath Work” used in conjunction with yoga, meditation or even on it’s own. I was intrigued and amused. Isn’t breath work just well, breathing? As I am with every interest peaked, I started researching the topic and taking classes. I soon realized that notion of “just breathing” barely describes the literal life force surrounding the exchange of 02 and C02 - a healing practice that can create and allow for shifts in your mind, body and spirit. Breath in, breath out... having an understanding and practice of the different techniques can improve chronic conditions, calms anxiety levels, prevents inflammation in your immune system, assists with sleeping patterns (hello sleep apnea!). Even if the effect is subtle, the results are long lasting. And better still, it’s all within you.
Since that 1st breathwork class four years ago, I am beyond intrigued. I now incorporate the techniques in my mindfulness and meditation practice and daily living. Still uncovering the wide realm of breath, a consistent thread that stands out in my practice is intention. Under the guidance of trained practitioners, when I listen, observe and manipulate my breath, while allowing it to flow - I arrive to new ways of expanding, existing and being.
Clarity Breathwork Session with instruments
Understanding the need to dive deeper into self-care tools, especially during this time, I had a (zoom) session with the founder of Breath Of Being, Melanie Roske. As a Clarity Breathwork practitioner, reiki master, meditation guide, and sound healer - Melanie guided our session with musical instruments leading into moments of healing. Her philosophy is rooted in shifting from EGO to ESSENCE. What an amazing session it was - and I wanted to share this with anyone who has found themselves here.
EL: Tell us more about your work as a Clarity Breathwork Practitioner.
Follow Melanie’s inspiring journey on IG @breath_of_being
MR: Clarity Breathwork has been a beautiful journey for my own self-discovery. After doing my training so much changed within my being, everything made sense. The breathwork is the glue to all the other modalities that I love to share. Now I combine coaching, Reiki, and sound healing together with the breathwork and tailor sessions to the individual's need. In essence, I hold a safe space of love and acceptance and ask questions that can support someone to find their own answers and tune in to their own natural intelligence. I believe everyone is their own healer; usually, we just need to get out of our own way.
EL: How is it different from other Breathwork techniques?
MR: The difference I found with Clarity Breathwork is that it's a very feminine and yin approach to breathwork, it's not about forcing the breath. It's all about allowing, yes it can be enthusiastic on the inhale. Still, the exhale is the feeling of trust and surrender (not collapse). For me, this really resonated, being an advertising producer and running my own company for many years, my world was very yang. All about doing, deadlines, and making the impossible happen. For balance, I found that I was attracted to resource myself with more yin practices like meditation, Qi Gong, and Hatha yoga. When I first tried Clarity Breathwork, I was instantly in awe and knew I wanted to be a practitioner. So gentle and loving, like a mother's caress, yet so powerful and simple.
I would also love to add that all conscious breathing can be supportive. Explore, try all different types of breathwork, and to be open with what resonates with you. I personally use a few different types pending on what my body is asking for.
EL: Can you share how you use sound healing in your sessions?
MR: Sound is frequency, and frequency and intension equals healing. This was a fascinating insight that was shared with me by one of my teachers Jonathan Goldman. Sound is an essential component for me in the sessions, for a private session, usually, I will use crystals bowls and tuning forks and sometimes the flute. I find it helps people to relax and drop deeper into themselves. Also, I find it to be powerful, infusing the frequency with the intentions of the session and having this resonate in the space. When my husband Jeremy and I hold our breathwork journeys, we use more instruments, which helps move energy in the body.
Jeremy Roske + Melanie Roske - www.breathofbeing.net
EL: How do you incorporate your practice every day in this digital, tech-focused society we live in - especially now?
www.breathofbeing.net
MR: My personal practice is my foundation; I know for me to thrive, I have to make this a priority. In knowing myself, this has to happen first thing in the morning before I look at my phone or any devices. My personal practice changes from day-to-day. My core practices are Meditation, Conscious breathing, Qi gong, some sort of movement to get the blood pumping and morning pages. Sometimes I can fit them all in and other times only a few. For me, it's most important to show up for myself in some way before I start my day.
EL: Is there a mantra you follow - or a philosophy that you live by?
MR: "Om Made Padme Om" The meaning for me is in our shadow, there is always a gift (the lotus flower jewel rising from the murky waters). When we are willing to go within and face ourselves, acknowledge our shadows with love, acceptance, and understanding, there is always a gift that will be revealed. I also feel a connection with Kuan Yin and what she embodies.
Till the next chronicle, Liz Lazan x
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