Breathwork in Los Angeles, CA
Breathing is our most intimate activity. The way we breathe is a reflection of our inner world. The quality of our breath reflects the activity of our mind and provides feedback on the state of our body. It expresses how we feel about ourselves. It holds the heaviness of trauma and the lightness of Being. The way we breathe directly impacts the way we feel and live. When we intentionally and mindfully harness the power of breath, our whole system responds. Our intellect, emotional life, physical body, and state of consciousness, all respond and reflect. I offer Breathwork instruction in Los Angeles, CA. Virtual sessions are available Worldwide. Namastè
Breathwork With Matthew
If you live in Los Angeles, CA in-person Breathwork sessions will offer the most value. Direct, human connection provides rich experiences in service of healing and transformation. Most Breathwork sessions with me will last about 90 minutes. This varies among individuals, couples, and groups. I will offer instruction at our session and then you will practice. While you are breathing, I will hold space for you, encourage you, coach you, unconditionally support you. You will be breathing to a curated playlist in a safe and serene environment. Group Breathwork sessions are powerful and not to be missed. I am currently researching a public space to hold these sessions. Stay tuned!
If you don’t live in Los Angeles, CA and would still like Breathwork instruction, book an introductory session with me via Zoom. I will offer you Breathwork and Meditation techniques that will powerfully support you and your Vision. While I do recommend in-person instruction, a lot of benefit can be experienced virtually if you’re Present and committed to the process.
Restore & Rejuvenate
Deep breathing is one of the most powerful ways to lower stress in our bodies. It moves us away from the survival orientation of fight/flight, and into the harmonious states of stay+play, rest+digest. When we breathe deeply and mindfully, this sends a message to our brain and nervous system: ‘it’s safe to relax, it’s time to release’. The mind then sends this message back to the body. The feedback loop exponentially generates positive momentum in this way. When we are stressed, stress chemicals (adrenaline, cortisol, norepinephrine) flood the cells of the body, our heart rate increases, blood pressure rises, our breath becomes rapid and shallow. Breathwork triggers the opposite of the stress response by signaling a new energetic message to the nervous system. This creates the ideal environment for healing, restoration, and rejuvenation. As mind and body synchronize, nature’s intelligence goes to work.
Breathing Exercise
A breathing exercise can be a powerful tool to ease our stress and anxiety while enhancing our vitality and well-being. Consistent breathing exercises over time, even with modest time investment, go a long way. Physical exercise is commonplace in our Los Angeles, CA culture, while mindfulness is emerging onto the scene. A breathing exercise is a fusion of the two. It integrates the physical exertion of exercise with the profound stillness of meditation.
Deep breathing exercises are an immediate gateway into self-love and well-being. Our breath is free of charge and immediately available. It is here. It is now. (Stop reading for a moment, and breathe). It is the most intimate ‘thing’ in the world. With so much asking for our attention on a daily basis, we often overlook the breath. Our modern minds become entangled in the overflowing content of the world. Conscious breathing creates an interruption to this momentum. It invites the mind to shift away from content and into the inner world of consciousness.
Our breath is the bridge, connecting mind with body. Experientially, we are shifting away from thinking and into feeling. We move from the head (intellect), into our powerful heart space. During breathing exercises, we practice breathing deeply into ourselves. We awaken deeper aspects of our emotional body that have been stagnant and dormant. This is the weight we carry on a subconscious level. When we breathe Life and Energy into these suppressed aspects of ourselves, in body and mind, we invite Nature’s intelligence IN. That which no longer Serves, is given Space to be Seen, to be felt, to be released. Amen.
Pranayama
Pranayama is a collection of yogic breathing exercises with their roots in India. The ancient Indian system of yoga identified prana as the universal life force/energy which distinguishes the living from the dead. It is the energetic essence of Life. Within the human system, it flows through thousands of subtle energy channels called nadis, which interconnect with seven main energy wheels called chakras. Yama means to administer/control/regulate/lengthen. Consequently, Pranayama means to intentionally influence our Prana. We are able to invigorate this vital energy by using our breath in particular ways. Ancient Rishis (Seers of Truth), developed special breathing techniques to increase one’s prana. These practices increased life energy, awakened internal balance, released stress, and produced a calm, clear mind. This state of mind became an ideal foundation for meditation practice.
What are the effects of high and low Prana? Our state of mind and physical health are determined by the quality and quantity of our Pranic flow. For the modern, stressed human, energy channels experience blockage and stagnation. This inhibits the flow of our vital life energy and directly impacts our state of mind. Negativity, worry, fear, tension, and conflict, are all symptoms of blocked prana. When we’ve been doing our inner work, when our prana is abundant and flowing, our state of mind reaps the benefits. Thinking becomes clear and insightful. Positivity and enthusiasm are spontaneous. We get to shine as our authentic selves, empowered by our inner alignment. If you reside in Los Angeles, CA, in-person Pranayama instruction is available. Virtual Inquiries always available Worldwide. Namastè
Holotropic Breathwork
The name Holotropic means literally “moving toward wholeness” (from the Greek “holos”=whole and “trepein”=moving in the direction of something). The process itself uses very simple means: it combines accelerated breathing with evocative music in a special set and setting. With the eyes closed and lying on a mat, each person uses their own breath and the music in the room to enter a non-ordinary state of consciousness. This state activates the natural inner healing process of the individual’s psyche, bringing the seeker a particular set of internal experiences. With the inner healing intelligence guiding the process, the quality and content brought forth is unique to each person, and for that particular time and place. While recurring themes are common, no two sessions are ever alike.
Additional elements of the process include focused energy release work and integration practices such as mandala drawing. Holotropic Breathwork is usually done in groups, although individual sessions are also possible. Within the groups, people work in pairs and alternate in the roles of “breather” and “sitter.” The sitter’s role is simply to be present and available to assist the breather—not to interfere, interrupt, or try to guide the process. The same is true for trained facilitators, who are available as helpers if necessary.
Breathing Techniques
Breathwork is a general term for various breathing techniques. This is the practice of consciously utilizing the breath for its positive influence on our mind/body state. Like Meditation and Yoga, there are many styles and approaches. Many of these are similar in practice and different in name. Some of the most common include: Transformational Breathwork, Clarity Breathwork, Shamanic Breathwork, Pranayama Breathwork, and Holotropic Breathwork. Most of these are modernized forms of Pranayama (ancient breathing practices from India). It’s such a blessing to be stationed in Los Angeles, CA, whilst practicing ancient techniques from the other side of the globe!
As we know from direct experience, the way we breathe affects our whole Being. Our entire system responds to the healing affects of Mindful Breathwork. Breathing exercises are a good way to relax, reduce tension, and relieve stress. Breathing exercises are easy to learn under the proper guidance and care. You can practice whenever you choose, no special tools or equipment necessary. Your body IS the tool for the technique. I recommend you explore different exercises to see which work best for you.
Transformational Breathing
Transformational Breathwork integrates various principles from metaphysics, Kundalini Yoga, breath analysis, sound healing, and body mapping. Transformational breathing exercises are done with an open mouth – the breath is drawn into the belly and the exhale is completely relaxed. It is best to do it with a trained facilitator or attend an intro workshop first before practicing on your own.
Transformational breath encourages a full diaphragmatic breath. This massages all the organs that come into contact with, or are affected by, the movement of the diaphragm, thus aiding good circulation. Your facilitator should be trained to observe the breath and see, physically, where your breath is being held. They will then use simple techniques including adjusting the position of your body, gentle hands-on pressure, sound and positive affirmations to help the breath to open up and flow more freely. This, coupled to a specific breath pattern, is said to clear negativity in the subconscious mind and help you feel more aware, lighter, happier and peaceful.
Conscious Breathing
Breathing is a unique phenomenon. It’s automatic and not automatic at the same time. Respiratory function is controlled in the brain stem, the part of the brain that controls the basic things that keep us alive, like a heartbeat. You still breathe when you’re unconscious, asleep, or anesthetized. But, in some ways, it’s closer to somatic functions (such as walking) than autonomic, involuntary functions (such as sweating). You don’t have to think about each step you take when strolling down a beautiful Los Angeles, CA boardwalk. You just walk, naturally and spontaneously. Your brain automatically adjusts your steps, just as your brain will occasionally insert a sigh when it needs more oxygen. But you can also decide to hold your breath, hyperventilate, or, as the more ‘out-there’ Breathwork practitioners promise, use your breath “to journey between the conscious and unconscious mind.” Woah!
Breathwork Meditation
Breathwork Meditation integrates elements of breathwork and meditation into one experience. This type of mindful, controlled breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to calm the body. Science is just starting to look at the benefits that yogis have known for centuries about breathwork meditation. Studies have shown that breathwork can help reduce stress, anxiety, help with insomnia, and depression.
Get Started Today
Breathwork is something you deserve to experience. Come and breathe with us! Your time is now. As your facilitator, I will provide a safe and peaceful environment. I will use music as a tool, as well as coaching, and deep Space holding. Individuals, couples, and groups can work in-person with Matthew Spangler in Los Angeles, CA. Virtual Sessions available Worldwide. Each setting has its own unique payoff. The most critical element is that you Take Action. A new choice in the Present creates the possibility for a new future. If you’ve read this far, clearly something is Calling you. Reach out to me and let’s get started. Namastè
