It Will Always Be Breathwork
Breath has always been there for me…long before I realized I was being called to work with it.
Where the Call Began
I could probably look back in my journals to see where I first felt called to breathwork, but a few moments come to mind.
When I began practicing yoga, I paid close attention to how the instructors taught: the cues, the sequencing. I was seeking to learn and grow in my own practice. What always stood out to me, and what ultimately stayed with me, was pranayama, the breath.
While practicing yoga, I became aware that the breath wasn’t just guiding my movements, but allowing them to flow with more ease. I noticed that when I held my breath, it affected my movements and created constriction in my body. That awareness made me realize how beneficial and essential it is to be conscious of the breath, and I felt called to tap into that more deeply.
“As Long As You Have Breath, You Have Options”
Another defining moment was during a @thehoodhealer live. I always, always, always give Imani her credit and I’m sure I’ve mentioned this quote in a previous Substack lol but that’s because it was truly transformational for me. It healed me. It liberated me. It ignited a fire within me.
Imani so eloquently yet affirmingly said, “As long as you have breath, you have options.”
Honestly, that knocked the wind right out of me. It felt so simple like, duh but it’s not something you think about when you’re anxious, overstimulated, or feeling defeated.
That quote has saved me during extreme moments of depression and anxiety. It reminded me of the power of God and how deeply grateful I am to be alive.
Coming Home Through Meditation
One last instance that comes to mind is my meditation practice. I do need to get back to being consistent, but when I was, meditation was incredibly grounding for me. It has always been a safe place, a way to come home to myself.
Being conscious of my breath while meditating helped me stay present, and even when thoughts came into my awareness, the breath allowed me to acknowledge them and release them, returning to presence. I definitely miss this practice, as well as chanting (we can talk about that later if y’all want).
Why I Chose Breathwork
When I began consistently practicing breathwork and learning different styles and techniques, it brought me so much joy. I knew I wanted to share this modality as part of my mission to heal my community, inside and out.
While people are aware of breathwork, I don’t see it emphasized much in the wellness community. I don’t often see it offered at yoga, Pilates, or barre studios, and I definitely don’t see many people who look like me teaching this modality. So I asked myself: why not me?
At first, I second-guessed making a career out of this. But it is my purpose, and I am absolutely sure of that. Breathwork isn’t just healing for me, it brings me joy. I’ve incorporated it into my tea blending workshops and received such positive feedback. I recently asked a few friends if they’d be interested in 1:1 sessions, and they are.
God is constantly showing me that this is what I’m meant to do and more. Of course, it doesn’t stop here, but this is the foundation. This is where I can always return to land softly and feel safe.
I’m looking forward to continuing to develop my gift and skill so I can share it with my community.
So yes: it will always be breathwork for me.
If this resonated, I’d love to hear your experience with breath. Feel free to reply to this post, leave a comment, or share it with someone who may need a reminder that as long as we have breath, we have options.