Business Fit Magazine November 2018 Issue 1 | Page 46

Business Energy levels We are however, capable of intervening in this natural sequence by intentionally modifying the character of our breathing rhythms. For example, if we choose to breathe more strongly than usual whilst remaining physically inactive, we alter the natural supply and demand equilibrium, creating a higher than usual level of energy throughout our bodies. Research and practical experimentation with the effects of unusual body energy levels has led to the development of many physical and spiritual practices that we find in disciplines such as martial arts, tai-chi, chi- kong and yoga and meditation to name just a few, and therapeutical disciplines such as breathwork coaching – conscious connected breathing known also as rebirthing, holotropic breathwork, integrative breathing, transformational breathwork amongst others. Processes of transformation The breathwork techniques in the practices of martial arts are concerned with the development of the chi so vital to success in combat. Breathing is also used in massage techniques such as shiatsu and touching hearts massage. In meditation, yoga, tai-chi and chi-kong, practices have focused more on using the inner calm created by the breathing to develop chi, awareness, presence and mindfulness. Breathwork mentoring, also known as conscious connected breathing and Rebirthing, adds to all the above a greater sense of self-awareness and, above all, the improvement of mental, physical and spiritual well-being, achieving a consciousness of wholeness. Both ancestral and modern practices acknowledge the importance of breathing in processes of transformation. Relaxation and stress cannot exist at the same time in the same place, therefore the more we breathe consciously, the more time we will be relaxed and the less time we will be in stress. 46 Holistic therapy There are several types of stress and the reference here is to stress produced by experiences that were neither accepted nor integrated into our life, with a subsequent development into traumas. These were probably situations generated by fear, shame, anger, loss, or other limiting emotions and were experienced at an age when we were unable to manage the event, or the perception of the event. The situation could have occurred in a moment of extreme vulnerability, creating a wound that couldn’t heal completely. Searching to survive to the pain, we learned how to create a variety of defence mechanisms, but the wound remained there, getting deeper, becoming chronic and sometimes extremely acute. Following through the therapeutical journey of understanding and healing the wounds of such experiences is a must for a return to balanced life. Holistic therapy is a choice that uses energy work such as Breathwork mentoring alongside with the psychotherapeutic process. We are holistic beings and we need to heal in all our dimensions (body, mind, emotion, spirit/meaning). Such healing processes can include learning to express, to feel and to understand. releasing, resolving and transforming, leading us to accept and integrate, benefiting then from the joy and the bliss of the intimacy with yourself and your partner. Each healed wound may leave a scar. Those scars are the testimony of the journey of healing and as such we can even be proud of them. Breathwork mentoring, adds to all the above a greater sense of self- awareness and, the improvement of mental, physical and spiritual well-being the wounds have been attended to and have healed, even though we are carrying the scars, when similar situations appear, we will be able to break through them and learn from the experience. This is what I call “Emotional Freedom”. 7 fundamental elements of Holistic Therapy and of life itself. 1- Breathe consciously, being aware of your thinking. 2- Inhale, recognizing who you are. 3- Exhale, letting go of what you no longer need. 4- Be present, asking clearly for what you want. 5- Accept and forgive, giving with love and generosity. 6- Keep on improving and expanding with gratitude. 7- Open your heart, letting love in and taking care of your surroundings When those wounds were still open and unattended, an accumulation of difficult situations or some new and acute stress could lead us to a breakdown. However, once Viola Edward is a Psychotherapist and Breathwork pioneer with over 25 years of experience. A leader with individual and corporate clients, Viola specialises in Professional Training in Breathwork Coaching, Breathwork for Recovery, Stress Management, Feminine Energy and Relationships. She is the co-founder of KAYANA International Breathwork and author of two books: “Breathing the Rhythm of Success” and “Who Makes the Bed?” 47