by Ben Bidwell, Human Potential Coach, Breathwork Practitioner & Visiting Master at AyurMa
In the fast pace of today’s world, taking a moment to consciously breathe, might seem like a small act. Yet, through an extension of our simple inhale and exhale lies a transformative, heart-opening breathwork practice, capable of unlocking purpose, emotion and profound healing.
This article will delve into the magic of breathwork and the science behind how it quietens the prefrontal cortex, the brain's overactive control centre, to create a deeply enjoyable and transformational experience.
The Art of Heart - Opening Breathwork
At its core, heart-opening breathwork is an emotive experience; an intentional way of breathing that releases what you’re holding onto to leave you light, purposeful and liberated.
While it does take a little bit of work to breathe with purpose, through the experience you will decrease your CO2 levels and increase your O2 levels, creating profound change within the body. Feel good hormones are released, leading to a deep connection between mind, body and soul.
The result is a unique experience, unlike anything most people will have experienced before.
Opening the Heart: More Than a Metaphor
We often talk about opening the heart metaphorically, but what does it really mean? In the realm of breathwork, it becomes a tangible experience.
Through our journey together, I will direct your focus to your heart centre, connect you with what lives there, and release tension, stress, and emotional knots that block your heart from being felt.
As you let go, you create space for a deeper connection, where answers that arent accessible during your day-to-day experience of the world are uncovered.
Breathwork and the Prefrontal Cortex
To understand how my heart-opening breathwork works its magic, lets take a peek into the brain.
The prefrontal cortex, located right behind the forehead, is the body’s control centre. It manages decision-making, emotional regulation, and self-control. In the Western world in particular, this area tends to be overactive, leading to feelings of stress, anxiety, and a disconnect from the depth of your potential.
As the breathwork starts to work its magic, you activate your bodys relaxation response. This triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the ‘rest and digest’ system. Simultaneously, it dials down the sympathetic nervous system, responsible for the fight or flight responses.
As CO2 levels drop in the body, the prefrontal cortex starts to quieten, in turn reducing the volume of the constant chatter of stress and worry. As this happens, you’ll find yourself slipping into a state of relaxation where your mind enters into a space of deep stillness and tranquillity, allowing your heart to open.
Navigating the Emotional Landscape
As you breathe, emotions will come to the surface – joy, sorrow, love, fear – but rather than being suppressed or avoided, your feelings can now be felt, acknowledged and expressed without judgement.
This is because a quietened prefrontal cortex results in your emotions being experienced without the usual judgement and analytical interference. You are now having a journey of self-discovery, where you learn to coexist with your emotions.
The end result is a release of what you're unconsciously holding onto, allowing a light energy to ensue, and a deep connection with yourself to arise.
Purpose Unveiled Through Breath
With an open heart comes a connection to a deeper purpose. The relaxation response triggered by the breathwork creates a bridge between your external world and your inner self. As your heart opens, you become attuned to the whispers of your soul, guiding you towards deeper values and your true calling.
This is the removal of the fog that clouds your vision. A quietened prefrontal cortex allows for a new connection with your passions, values, and the contributions you want to make to the world.
Your breath becomes a compass, giving you access to a vision of your authentic purpose.
In Conclusion: The Breathwork Revolution
Breathwork isn't just a new-age fad; it is a scientifically backed practice into the depths of your being. My heart-opening experience will create a more profound connection with who it is you most deeply are, and unveil a sense of purpose that is hidden beneath the surface. As you embark on my breathwork journey, we’ll uncover the answers to questions that appear distant and inaccessible in your day-to-day world, creating an unforgettable experience that is as unique as it is powerful.