Ever Wonder What’s It’s Like to Be a Breathwork Facilitator?
Describing the experience of being a breathwork facilitator is as challenging as explaining the essence of Breathwork itself—you can only truly understand it’s magic once you’ve done it. But for those thinking about becoming a breathwork facilitator or curious about what it’s like to hold space for such deep and transformative experiences, I’ll do my best to share about this incredible venture below.
First, I’d like to share a brief introduction about my breathwork background: I attained my Breathwork facilitator certification from Alchemy of Breath in 2019. Since then, serendipitous occurrences have enabled me to share this unique gift around the world, even amidst the pandemic. After a couple years of facilitation, I continued my studies with Make Some Breathing Space, and I am now a Certified Breathwork Facilitator Teacher. My gratitude extends to both schools for their comprehensive trainings, which prepared me to gracefully handle the myriad of wild experiences that can arise in breathwork sessions. And also to the Universe for guiding me to this incredibly fulfilling calling!
Preparing for the Session
Several hours before a Breathwork session, my preparations commence with crafting a thoughtfully curated playlist and making some healthy tea or hibiscus water to give to the participants after the session. I also prepare myself mentally and energetically by doing a 20-minute breathwork and, if time allows, some yoga. I arrive to the venue an hour early to prepare the space, and usually listen to ethereal music as I do, to maintain my mental calm. I set the mats up in a circle, and create a central offering area with kleenex and flowers, and Messenger Cards that I invite the participants to pull from. I will also burn some sage to prepare the space energetically and spend a moment setting an intention for the session.
Sharing ‘the Frame’ and Introductions
Before initiating the frame (Breathwork explanation and introduction), I ask all of the participants to share their names, whether or not they have done a connected breathwork journey before, and an intention for the practice. At this point everyone still acts a bit like strangers and it’s always gratifying to witness how deeply connected, vulnerable, and unguarded everyone becomes in the sharing circle after the Breathwork session! After the introductions, I explain the technique, all the emotional and physical things that can arise, and how the participant can both accelerate or put the brakes on their journey.
It is important to me that all the participants feel safe and empowered, and let them know I’m here to hold space and offer suggestions, but they should always listen to their intuition first and foremost. After this ‘framing’ is over, I ask if there are any questions, and then I ask the participants to lie down, with heads facing inwards. I start the playlist, have them stretch and massage their jaws to release tension, encourage them to make any final adjustments to get comfortable, and then to close their eyes and begin to breathe through their mouths.
Let the Magic Begin!
In the first couple of songs I will breathe a deep connected breath loudly, to help support the participants in following and dropping into the breathing technique. In these initial moments my ego, doubts, and insecurities dissolve, time ceases to exist, and I step into pure presence! I keep a close eye on everyone throughout the Breathwork session and use my Felt Sense (body intuition) to guide me to who would most benefit from touch and where. If I notice someone is breathing shallow or soft, or forgetting to keep the breath connected I may breathe in their ear, or gently place a hand on their belly and chest to encourage inflation (or both). If someone is breathing too hard and fast, I may whisper in their ear something to help them let go of the need to push, and to encourage them to surrender to what wants to come through.
Emotional Release and Acceptance
Emotions, often suppressed, find an outlet for expression and release in Breathwork. Crying, laughter, and various manifestations are welcomed. My role is to ensure a safe and held space, encouraging surrender to the unfolding experience. When someone goes into a gasping cry, I use gentle touch as support, and may remind them to unite the emotion with the breath, or to breathe into the emotion. Due to the depth of intense emotions that are often released in sessions, I am very grateful that I was taught in my training how to hold space without absorbing or taking on others emotions.
Unity Through Breath
As a facilitator, observing the dissolution of artificial separation during group journeys is immensely gratifying. Shared energy synchronizes breathers, sometimes resulting in spontaneous group movements, like synchronized dancing with closed eyes. This is not a cue I give, it happens without the participants even realizing it. Emotions are often shared as well. As soon as one person starts to cry, many around them do. And if someone laughs, the laughs can catch around the circle – transforming tears into giggles. These shared experiences are a manifestation of our shared energy and consciousness and a reminder of our Unity.
Everything is Welcome
Nothing is surprising or forbidden in Breathwork – screaming, shaking, singing, groaning, moaning and random body contortions are all par for the course. I encourage the breathers to surrender to whatever wants to be felt or moved and offer supportive cues such as ‘everything is welcome here’ or ‘it’s safe to breathe, it’s safe to feel’. I rely on my felt sense heavily during the breathwork sessions, which was cultivated during my breathwork trainings. My Felt sense allows me to feel into what wants to be revealed to the breathers. I don’t think with the mind, I just speak from the heart and body.
Concluding the Journey
As we near the end of the Breathwork, I stop the music and guide the breathers through a quick visualization to help integrate their experiences. Then I play a few songs for them to come back to and to write about their experience. After that, I have everyone sit up in a circle, we take a few grounding breaths together, and then we open the floor for shares.
The Sharing Circles Support Integration, Validation, & Connection
The vulnerability and profound wisdom that emerge within our sharing circles are truly remarkable. In these circles, a reciprocal exchange of learning takes place, touching the lives of each participant, myself included. Experiencing full-body goosebumps has become a common occurrence for me during these sessions, as I am so deeply moved by the life-altering insights, profound healings, and transformative journeys shared by others. It is awe-inspiring to bear witness to the profound gratitude expressed by individuals who have undergone powerful shifts their the power of their own breath.
The Biggest Skeptics Become the Biggest Believers
One of the most satisfying aspects is witnessing skeptics evolve into ardent supporters. I recall skeptics, notably war veterans initially reluctant, who, having been ushered in by their loved ones, were profoundly touched by the breath’s healing power. These same individuals transitioned into fervent breath ambassadors, passionately spreading the word among their fellow veterans.
Why Being a Breathwork Facilitator is So Darn Fulfilling
Engaging in this work is beyond my wildest expectations, and a source of constant fulfillment, enthrallment, and deep gratification. It’s almost surreal that I get to do this incredible work for a living. What captivated me about Breathwork is its unequivocal power. In the past, I offered hypnotherapy and nutritional healing, but their success was contingent on the client and not universally effective. Breathwork, on the other hand, proves transformative for everyone, without fail. Guiding individuals to simply breathe unleashes its profound effects, often surpassing the impact of years of therapy in just one session.
Facilitating these sessions serves a dual purpose, holding me accountable and preventing complacency in my personal breath practice and inner journey. It’s a continuous commitment to growth, recognizing that as long as we live, there’s always more work to be done. Unlike some healing vocations that leave practitioners drained, this work fills me with energy, opens my heart wide, and bathes me in joy. Any burdens that may have weighed on me regain perspective after a session, and I remember that in the end, all that matters is love.
I’m eternally grateful for all the beautiful souls that have allowed me to hold space for the miracle of the breath to occur and look forward to all the Breathworks ahead of me 🙂
Want to Become an Incredibly Skilled and Knowledgeable Breathwork Facilitator?
I’m currently accepting applications for apprentices who would like to train under me to become a certified Breathwork Facilitator, with a certificate from the renowned international training school Make Some Breathing Space. There are two training pathways a Hybrid Group with in-person and online elements; and a 1:1 apprenticeship online pathways. You can find out more about both by downloading our Breathwork Training Brochures.
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