My First Breathwork Experience and How it Changed My Life

The first time I experienced Breathwork I dragged my feet all the way to NYC.

One of my close friends had been raving about about this unique breathing practice and how she was experiencing profound healing from it. I thought, that’s cool… But how great can it be? And quite honestly, I was shut down to anything spiritual and anything involving group dynamics.

I had been part of a spiritual community which (like many) had recently crashed and burned and I felt like my soul had been splintered … literally… I couldn’t meditate and any talk of healing or self exploration made me cringe. To say the least “my walls” we’re up, my heart was closed and I felt absolutely powerless.

But something kept calling to me.

Now looking back, I know it was my spirit taking care of me in one of my weakest moments. It was my spirit that signed up for Erin Telford’s breathwork group in NYC and it was my spirit who bought that damn bus ticket. It was like… “I’m not letting you give up. Pack your bag because you are going!”

Two days later I found myself laying on a mat doing rhythmic breathing with 50 other people AND believe me, every part of myself wanted to run towards the door.

Then it all changed. A lightness of being started to form as all the tension in my body was released. The collective energy in the room rose, enveloping me as the breathing rhythm of the group got more intense. It felt primal like my spirit was calling to me, beckoning to go deeper. Not sure whether to laugh or cry, I stayed with my breath...following it...trusting it. Suddenly, my mind let go and I felt a vibration building and building until space opened up inside me. Vast and light and beautiful...then a quiet but clear voice within said...

“You have all the power within you, now just step forward.”

My heart cracked open. Tears flowed as I reintegrated with the part of myself that had always been there... gently waiting... supporting me the whole way.

That evening I sat out amongst the tall buildings of NYC. Starring up at the sky, I knew my life was forever changed.

Do I still feel lost sometimes? Do I still have days where my heart is closed and I have nothing to give? Yes absolutely! But now I know with full conviction that “feeling” lost and shut down is only one half of my story. The other half is already WHOLE, already FULL, and more POWERFUL than I can ever imagine. My only job is to trust and step forward each and every day.

This is my biggest wish for you. This is my biggest wish for everyone.

Much love and strength,

Tara