Restorative Breathwork® an Introduction Awakening the Transformational Power of the Breath Student/Client Edition
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Restorative Breathwork® An Introduction Awakening The Transformational Power of The Breath Student/Client Edition W W W . B A R R A T T B R E A T H I N S T I T U T E . C O M All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2017 by Barratt Breath Institute No part of this material may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without permission in writing from the author. About Kathleen The core premise of Kathleen's work is not about mastering a breath technique; rather, it is about cultivating a relationship of receptivity and openness with the natural breath. In the early 1980s, Kathleen developed an interest Kathleen has conducted workshops and trainings in in breathwork as a dynamic tool for healing and Restorative Breathwork throughout the United transformation. She trained in various breathwork States, including at the Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E. methods that encouraged hyperventilation and (Association for Research and Enlightenment), in strong emotional catharsis. Virginia Beach, Virginia, and the International Society for the Study of Subtle Energies and Over time, she found herself being drawn to a Energy Medicine Conference in Boulder Colorado. subtler approach to the breath, inspired by her studies in bioenergy with Mietek and Margaret She also participated in the Elizabeth Targ Wirkus. Stepping away from systems that placed Research Project, an exploration of the influence of control upon the breath, she has developed a bioenergy distance healing on AIDS patients at the more yin approach to breathwork that has its roots California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. in the Eastern systems of breath meditation. Kathleen is registered as an E-RYT 500 and holds a This unique approach to breathwork not only Master Certificate in Bioenergy Healing through the rejuvenates the mind and body but also opens a Wirkus School of Bioenergy. Since 1988, she has gateway to transpersonal dimensions of healing. offered both personal and professional studies in Kathleen's breathwork system, Restorative breathwork and bioenergy through her foundation, Breathwork®, has evolved out of years of study, Barratt Breath Institute. personal practice, and experience with thousands of clients. Kathleen has dedicated her life to mastering and teaching Breathwork. She Kathleen possesses the unique ability to translate has spent more than 30 years and 50,000 the esoteric theories and philosophies of the hours to pioneer Restorative Eastern science of breath into a language that is Breathwork® easily comprehended. W W W . B A R R A T T B R E A T H I N S T I T U T E . C O M Contents INTRODUCTION W I S D O M O F T H E A N C I E N T S CHAPTER 1 R E S T O R A T I V E B R E A T H W O R K Restorative Breathwork® Defined Breath and Energy Flow A Spiritual Ideal CHAPTER 2 T H E F U N D A M E N T A L S Pre and Post Recommendations Supine Posture and Propping CHAPTER 3 O P E N I N G T O T H E B R E A T H Flow of a Restorative Breathwork Session Pranic Purification The Kriyas of Mindfulness The Dance of Breath I N T R O D U C T I O N WISDOM OF THE ANCIENTS Since ancient times, the breath has been a central theme in many spiritual and religious traditions, both literally and figuratively. The Hindu word prana signifies breath, wind, air, and the vital life force; in ancient Greek, pneuma meant breath, soul, and the spirit of life; and in ancient Hebrew, ruach meant both the breath and the creative spirit. In Western thought, the link between breath and spirit is expressed in Genesis 2:7:“And God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.” The relationship between the breath and the state of our health, and even certain states of consciousness, has been explored for thousands of years through yoga and Taoism as well as through the medical and meditative practices of India,Tibet, and China.These ancient systems have evolved over the centuries into a sophisticated esoteric science often referred to as “the science of breath.” Among the best-known forms are Vipassana meditation, pranayama, qi gong, and tai chi, with pranayama being perhaps the most familiar to Westerners. Despite its proven value for healing and self-development, until recently the practice of pranayama has not been utilized in Western culture. The vast and ancient knowledge associated with the science of breath has traditionally been a closely guarded secret, shared only with a few select students. Today, the cultural lines between the East and West are becoming less distinct. The respective cultures are learning from each other, combining and synthesizing acquired knowledge.Teachings that were once reserved for a select few in the mother culture are being openly offered to anyone in any culture who is ready to receive them. This cultural metamorphosis has given birth to a variety of approaches to breathwork throughout the West that are best known for their ability to initiate personal healing and transformation. Most approaches to W W W . B A R R A T T B R E A T H I N S T I T U T E . C O M - 1 - breathwork share the common elements of conscious breathing practices, evocative music, verbal guidance, and meditation. Some methods encourage strong emotional and physical catharsis, while others advocate a more subtle release by incorporating techniques based on mindfulness meditation.While these methods appear to be different in their approach, they share the common goal of self-awareness and self-realization. Breathwork has powerful potential as a transformative practice and, when used wisely, can have astonishing effects on consciousness, as well as physical health and well-being. W W W . B A R R A T T B R E A T H I N S T I T U T E . C O M - 2 - C H A P T E R 1 RESTORATIVE BREATHWORK DEFINED Restorative Breathwork has its roots in the Eastern sciences of breath meditation. It consists of a unique fusion of contemplative breath practices designed to cultivate deep states of inner stillness and greater self- awareness. At its most basic level, Restorative Breathwork calms the nervous system and stills the mind. On a deeper level, it is a profound spiritual practice, restoring and deepening our connection with our True Self, opening a pathway to inner illumination and spiritual awakening. OUR APPROACH The core premise of Restorative Breathwork is not about mastering a breath technique; instead, it is a yin-based approach that emphasizes cultivating a relationship of receptivity and openness with our natural breath. Breath practices range from those that cultivate breath mindfulness to those that focus on attending to the flow of the breath to open up its natural movements. Restorative Breathwork is an exquisite dance between following the breath without influencing the breath and modifying the breath in a manner that is "in the flow" with its natural rhythms. This unique approach gently restores the resiliency of our natural breath, awakening its vast potential to foster healing and transformation. PRANA, AN INTELLIGENT FORCE As we seek to restore our breath to its natural resilient state, we soon become aware that there is an innate intelligence inherent with the body governing the breath’s rhythms. This intelligence is the expression of Universal Intelligence, also referred to as the cosmic force prana, which permeates all of creation. It resides in all living things; we see this in the laws of nature and the miracle of a baby created from one tiny cell. Our bodies are magnificent instruments created and maintained by this Divine Intelligent force. W W W . B A R R A T T B R E A T H I N S T I T U T E . C O M - 3 - BREATH AND PRANA Yogic science teaches us that our breath is our connection to prana. When unrestricted, our natural breath is free, expansive, and uninhibited. It flows effortlessly in a rhythm pattern, drawing in and absorbing this vital life energy. Due to poor breathing habits caused by physical and mental stress, our natural breath becomes Inhibited, limiting our intake of prana, eventually impeding the functioning of this intelligent force. Although still present, it now exists in a quiescent state. By dismantling tensions in the breath, we restore our breath's capacity to draw in and absorb prana, awakening this cosmic energy from its suspended state, rejuvenating the mind and body. OUR INNATE BREATH In awakening prana, we also awaken the innate intelligence of our natural breath. We call this awakened breath our “innate breath.” Our innate breath is our natural breath under the directive of the intelligent force prana. As we attune to the ever-changing rhythms of our innate breath through Restorative Breathwork, we attune to the heartbeat of creation. Its rhythm is one of vitality and aliveness, inviting us upon an inner journey of healing, transformation and awakening. As our practice deepens, we begin to experience a still point, a “pause” in the breath. Yogic scholars speak of this pause as an infinite space, an entranceway into inner dimensions of consciousness. As we surrender to the vastness and mystery of the still point in the breath, we experience the very essence of our innate breath itself, free, expansive, and intimately connected to the Divine. W W W .