Q+A With Wendy
Wendy sits down to answer our questions about breathwork
How did you begin your work in breathwork?
It has been a journey. I went through a series of traumatic life events early on, first as a child and through my early adulthood. My nervous system was stuck on full sympathetic overdrive. In 1995 I joined a two-year Creative Training healing program that used breathwork to help release old emotions and then over the last 15 years I have studied the teachings of the Awakening to Presence School in Colorado, which incorporates breathwork. When I first started a regular breathing practice, I could only do 3 minutes a day without falling asleep. But it was so impactful that I knew it was a part of purpose to offer space for this powerful practice. I came to realize that an attuned coach is key to helping people feel safe and secure through the process.
How would you describe the benefits to someone who has never seriously considered a daily breathing practice?
I would describe the benefits of breathwork to be deeply healing on an energetic, physical, and emotional level. It is a practice that helps us release tension from the body and mind and then integrates the body and mind to work in balance with each other. Benefits include a release of stress, anxiety, and tension in the body, improved sleep, and healthier lungs.
What kind of transformations have you noticed among students who are new to this practice?
This question instantly brings a smile to my face because I am flooded with the memory of some beautiful transformations. I have witnessed people stepping into more love, joy, gratitude, trust and freedom in their lives. My students begin to experience a whole new way of being - one where they understand that they are limitless.
Any advice for those who are a bit intimidated by breathwork?
Our breath can be our greatest gift. I love breathwork so much because you can guide yourself and you will never be guided to a place that your body cannot handle. This practice really can be as gentle or as deep as you choose. I recommend having a practitioner that you trust support you along the way, perhaps by holding a container for you as you breathe. Our new BreatheToFreedom course was designed to help introduce people to a daily breathwork practice.
That's all for today, but I'm sure we will have more questions. Thank you for sharing! Where can people keep track of your work?
I'm currently working on a redesign of our website so keep your eye on www.attunedcoaching.com for updates. We have a great newsletter that goes out monthly so don't forget to sign-up. And I'm on Instagram @attunedcoaching, Facebook @attunedcoaching, and Twitter @attunedcoaching.