Breathwork With Erika

What Is Breathwork? Why does it matter?

It is in our deepest nature to feel safe and the body is amazing at regulating our experiences via the nervous system. Because we have been in a prolonged period of uncertainty our systems have worked in a heightened state for months and, as a result, our thoughts and experiences can be held in our body as patterns of pain and discomfort. Anxiety, poor sleep, stomach issues, body pain, food cravings and worry are just a few of the ways our body talks to us about what it is holding. 

By weaving body based practices into our days we can assist in discharging what is held and guide the nervous system into balance. This is where Breathwork comes in.

Breathwork is a deep and active meditation that uses a three-part breath to give the thinking mind a task in order for you to arrive completely in your body. When this happens, emotions, traumas and patterns that are held but no longer serve you, are reached and released.  This active breath allows you to feel fully throughout your whole body - alive and present. You can use this as a way to connect to your inner wisdom and start your day with insight and clarity. 

When we are reminded of our deeper knowings we can then support ourselves from a place of tenderness and start to create meaning out of uncertainty. 

Long-held beliefs, old narratives, fears and anxiety are some of the patterns that can be shifted during Breathwork. After a session, many express that they feel a sense of calm, clarity, and focus. 

What to Expect: 

We will meet via Zoom and as the group comes together Erika will share about the practice, teach you the breathing pattern and talk a bit about what you might experience. From there you will lie down, we will do some grounding together and then start the active breathing. During the breathing I will play music and I might give cues for you to do physical movements or vocalizations. After the active breathing (about 35 minutes) you will have about 10 minutes to settle into a resting breath.  We will then come back together to quietly feel and acknowledge the energy and, if you like, there will be a few minutes at the end for you share your experience.

To Join:

You will need Zoom and a computer or phone with video call capabilities. You can make an account and explore the platform before the start time, to avoid any issues with joining. There will also be a password sent out in the email the day of.

You will need a comfortable and private space where you won’t be disturbed. The breathing practice will take place lying down. You can be on a bed or on the floor - just make sure you will be warm and comfortable. Have a blanket and you can also an eye pillow or scarf/bandana to cover the eyes and block out external distraction. 

Please set up your space and be ready to start at (check your time zone):

5:45pm Pacific, 6:45pm Mountain, 8:45pm Eastern

About Erika: 

Erika Forsell is an acupuncturist, Breathwork facilitator, a seeker, a seer and truth-teller. For over 20 years, the study of yoga, meditation, martial arts and energy medicine has informed and strengthened her belief that all aspects of a persons' life affect their health – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. 

She guides individuals and groups into profound states of health and healing by deeply connecting to the task at hand. All of her work is rooted in and guided by the things we can not see that hold us so dearly.

Originally from California, she now lives and works in New York.