Personal experiences in Somatic Breathwork Journeys vary widely, but common occurrences include:

• Initial resistance as you begin to engage with the Activating Breath

• Tingling sensations or tightness in hands, feet, and face

• Body temperature fluctuations

• Yawning

• Release of tension in the body and jaw

• Emotional release such as anger, laughter, crying

• Clarity or epiphany around challenges in your life

• Bliss, euphoria, equanimity, relaxation, love for self and others

There are three components of Somatic Breathwork:

• Activation (Clearing) Breath: Full diaphragmatic, circular breathing, in and out through the mouth only

  • Intentionally activates the sympathetic (fight/flight) nervous system from a mindset of surrender

  • Disengages the default mode network (thinking mind) and places us into an altered state where suppressed emotions and blocked energy can flow freely

• Recovery (Restorative) Breath: Slower, elongated diaphragmatic breathing, in through the nose and out through the nose or mouth, allowing exhales to become longer than inhales

  • Activates the parasympathetic (rest/digest) nervous system, causing a peaceful, relaxed state

  • Creates space for re-orienting the mind toward our highest desires through neuroplasticity

• Breath Holds: These are performed following each activation round, and are held at the top of the breath

  • Has potential to activate a release of DMT in the brain, which can lead to epiphanies and a state of euphoria

  • Participant has option to participate in breath holds, and releases when they feel the need to breathe

A typical Somatic Breathwork Journey includes 3 activation rounds and 3 recovery rounds, with breath holds between each round.

Our bodies, emotions, and minds work like a pressure system.

The body is the vessel that holds the carbonated liquid of our emotions, fears, and pent up energy. The thinking mind is like the cap on the top of the bottle.

When we engage with the activation breath and disengage the default mode network of the mind - this is equivalent to shaking up the bottle and slightly loosening the cap, allowing the pressure to be safely vented. The pressure system reaches equilibrium, and the liquid of our emotions inside becomes stilled.

By moving the energy up and out during the activation rounds, and then returning to a regulated state through restorative breathing, we are able to achieve a deeper level of internal peace and relaxation on a cellular level.

To get the most from your experience, please consider the following preparations:

• Dress comfortably - ideally in loose, unrestrictive clothing. It can be a good idea to wear layers, as body temperature can fluctuate during the journey.

• Eat lightly, or come fasted - a full stomach can restrict breathing

• Minimal caffeine - caffeine can create result in an over-active mind

• Set intentions, release expectations. Intentions help guide the journey, expectations limit the experience. Every journey is different, but you will always receive what you need.

• Somatic Breathwork Journeys are performed lying down, with eyes closed. A comfortable space will be created. Allow yourself to surrender and go inward.

• Items to bring: Water bottle, blanket, pillow, yoga mat or cushion for extra comfort, eye mask if desired.

Breathwork Journeys can result in intense physical and emotional release… therefore it is not advised for persons who are pregnant,

It is also not recommended to engage with Somatic Breathwork Journeys for those who experience:

• High blood pressure

• Glaucoma

• Retinal detachment

• Severe mental illness

• History of seizures

• Cardiovascular conditions

• Recent surgery or physical injury

• Medication interaction

• Osteoporosis

• Acute Infectious illness

Conscious breathing (breathwork) can support your life in a variety of ways, including:

• Regulating the Nervous System

• Reducing Anxiety and Stress-Related Illness

• Increasing Blood Flow, leading to Mental Clarity and other Health Benefits

• Boosting the Immune System

• Assisting with Depressive States and Lethargy

• Overcoming Fears and Rewiring Limiting Beliefs

• Accessing Greater Presence, Gratitude and Connectedness with Life

A Daily Breathwork Practice can be performed within a matter of minutes, and is an incredible tool for quickly regulating the nervous system, grounding oneself in the present moment, and clearing away mental clutter to increase focus and productivity.

Somatic Breathwork Journeys are longer, deeper experiences with the capability of activating an altered state of consciousness and moving a lot of energy.  These can take time to integrate depending on how much energy you move and release.

Only you can discern how frequently you feel the need for a deep journey - but integration is a key component to embodiment. Some choose to journey as often as once per week.

There are a wide range of daily practices that vary in approach and breathing technique.

The Somatic Daily Breathwork practice involves at least one round (more if desired) of 33 deep Activation Breaths, with a breath hold at the top of the 33rd breath. It is important to always finish the Daily Practice with slow, recovery breathing to ground back into a parasympathetic state. This relaxed state can easily be carried into meditation.

For a customized, 20-minute, 3-round Daily Breathwork Practice guided by Chase, that utilizes the exquisite music and healing sound frequencies of Taylor Forrest, check out “Threshold” at the following link:

https://renegadeactivations.bandcamp.com/album/threshold-daily-breathwork-sound-activation

Many breathwork techniques and training programs exist for learning these techniques.

Chase underwent training with SomatIQ Breathwork, and was certified as a Somatic Breathwork Practitioner in April 2024. He has facilitated in-person breathwork ceremonies in individual, small, and large group settings, and has also facilitated countless group and individual breathwork ceremonies virtually over Zoom.