More than just breathing: what is Conscious Connected Breathwork?

Breathing is something we do every moment of every day, usually without giving it a second thought. But what happens when we begin to use our breath consciously?

Conscious connected breathwork uses a long breath in and short breath out that is continuous, no pauses or holds. This breathing pattern puts your brain into a temporary state of stress leading it activate an autonomic nervous system response. As this happens, your rational mind becomes still, while the muscular contraction and release in your body activates the nervous system which cycles through tension and release. 

Rhythmic, continuous breathing patterns help you become more connected to your body, emotions and inner experience. It can create space to release tension and explore what might be sitting beneath the surface.

But what does “conscious connected” actually mean? And what can you expect from a breathwork session? If you’ve heard about conscious connected breathwork and wondered what it’s all about, let’s take a closer look.

What is conscious connected breathwork?

Conscious connected breathwork is a form of breathwork where you intentionally change your breathing pattern and maintain a continuous flow between the inhale and exhale. Unlike our everyday breathing, where there is usually a natural pause between breaths, conscious connected breathing has no pauses or holds.

The intention is to activate an autonomic nervous system response. The breathing pattern shuts off your analytical mind, while the body physically cycles through tension and release and that physical cycling is thought to help the nervous system process and settle stored stress or tension.

You might become aware of physical sensations, emotions, thoughts or memories. Everyone’s experience is different, and there’s no particular feeling or outcome you’re supposed to have.

Why use the breath?

Our breath is closely connected to how we experience the world. Think about what happens when you feel anxious. Your breathing might become quicker and shallower. When you're relaxed, your breathing may naturally become slower and deeper.

Because breathing and our state of being are so closely connected, consciously working with the breath can be a powerful way of bringing our attention back into the body. For some people, a breathwork session can feel grounding. For others, it may bring up emotions or create a sense of release.

It isn't about forcing anything to happen. Instead, it’s about creating the space to notice what is already there.

 What happens during a breathwork session?

If you’ve never tried breathwork before, you might be wondering what happens when you arrive at a session.

Typically, you’ll be invited to get comfortable, often lying down, and guided through the breathing technique.

The breath is continuous and connected, with a long inhale flowing into a short exhale. There are no pauses or holds in between inhale and exhale.

Your facilitator will guide you through the practice and encourage you to stay aware of your breath and your body.

As the session progresses, you may notice different physical or emotional sensations. You might feel emotional, energised or simply very aware of your body.

Is conscious connected breathwork emotional?

It can be. Changing your breathing and bringing your awareness into your body can sometimes bring emotions to the surface. For some people, this might mean tears, memories or feelings that they weren't consciously aware of before the session. For others, the experience may be much calmer.

It's important to remember that you don't have to go into a session expecting a huge emotional release. Breathwork isn't about chasing an intense experience. Sometimes the most valuable part can simply be having time away from the noise of everyday life to reconnect with yourself.

What might you experience afterwards?

You might leave feeling peaceful and grounded. You might feel lighter, reflective or more connected to yourself. You may simply feel that you've given yourself permission to stop, breathe and be present for a while.

Some people find that regular breathwork becomes a valuable part of their wellbeing routine. The effects aren't necessarily dramatic, either. Sometimes the benefits are found in becoming more aware of your body, noticing how you’re breathing during a stressful day or remembering to pause before reacting.

Is breathwork for everyone?

Conscious connected breathwork can be a deeply personal experience, and it isn't suitable for everyone. Certain medical conditions and circumstances may mean that this type of breathwork isn't appropriate, so it's important to speak to your breathwork facilitator beforehand if you have any concerns.

A good facilitator should also take time to understand your needs and make sure you feel comfortable before beginning.

 You don't have to know how to “do” breathwork

One of the biggest misconceptions about breathwork is that you need to be good at it. You don't need to have a regular meditation practice. You don't need to be particularly flexible or spiritual. And you don't need to know what you're going to experience before you begin.

The facilitator's role is to guide you through the process and provide a safe, supportive space for you to have your own experience.

So, is Conscious Connected Breathwork more than just breathing?

We're breathing all day long, but conscious connected breathwork invites us to stop and pay attention to something we usually do automatically. It gives us an opportunity to turn our attention inwards, reconnect with our bodies and create a little more space between ourselves and the chaos of everyday life.

Curious to experience conscious connected breathwork for yourself?

If you've been wondering whether breathwork could be right for you, please contact me today. I can talk you through what to expect and answer any questions you might have.

I offer group and online sessions.