Transition Breath January 2020 update

Hi there,

Welcome to Transition Breath's January 2020 update.

Upcoming events:

• February's Group breathwork session (6.30pm to 9:00pm, Tuesday 18 February @ BodyBeing (Giralang). Register your interest here)

• The Big Breathe, Saturday 23 May, Paddington Town Hall, Sydney (https://www.australianbreathworkassociation.org/big-breathe-mega-event.html)

• International Breathwork Foundation's Global Inspiration Conference, Sweden, 9 to 16 August (https://ibfbreathwork.org/global-inspiration-conference/)

• Save the date - The Breathe Australia Conference, 5-8 November 2020

What's happening:

When I first wrote this monthly update it started with "Two night's ago, I was reminded of the smell of rain".

Looking outside right now it's hard to believe we had that brief reprieve. Since then, Canberra was hit with one of the worst hail storms I've ever seen. And now we're witnessing our much loved Namadgi National Park burn, whilst people living on our city's fringes prepare to be evacuated. Heartbreaking and a reminder of how quickly our experience of the natural world can change.

My emotional reactivity to these events has been chaotic. Deep grief, fear, anger, rage, love, sadness, worry, frustration, hatred and happiness have all been felt. Sometimes I reacted by turning to social media and adding to the chorus of collective disbelief of the destruction. Other times I would remove myself to a quiet space and allow my emotions to be deeply felt and witnessed. Using breathing and meditative tools, I've managed to breathe into these challenging experiences and alleviate my reactivity and stress.

It's hard to know what will transpire in the months (and years) ahead; however, what these fires have shown is the power of the human spirit and collective action.

Mother Earth has demanded our attention, reminding us that we should take nothing for granted, including water, fresh air and blue skies. I feel these events will continue to shake the foundations of our collective human experience, demanding that we shed what is not in resonance. We can either collapse under the immense pressure of this evolution, or access our inner heart warriors and face these changes with equanimity, bravery, compassion and love. How we each achieve these qualities is a question we must ask ourselves.

Therapeutic breathwork

Transition Breath is open again for 2020! A one-on-one breathwork session is a powerful technique that allows you to access, amplify and release held material in your body. It fosters a healthy expression of emotions and physical sensations, and an opportunity to explore unconscious realities. If you feel called to try breathwork, then my usual session times are:

• Wednesday, 6 pm to 8 pm

• Thursday, 6 pm to 8 pm

• Friday, 9 am to 5 pm

• Weekends by appointment

Group breathwork

Group breathwork will recommence on Tuesday, 18 February. This event will be held at BodyBeing in Giralang from 6.30pm to 9.00pm. Very limited places available, so get in early if you feel called to attend. The exchange is $55. Register here.

 

Corporate program

In February, Transition Breath will re-commence its corporate program. This program is designed to support wellbeing programs within the corporate, government and community sectors by teaching employees basic, every-day breathing techniques to help navigate stressful situations. So far the Australian Senate, the Private Wealth Network, Equality Australia, the Attorney-General's Department and the Australian Government Solicitor have all signed up. Sessions go for 90 minutes, and fees vary depending on the sector. Reach out if you're interested in developing a program for your workplace or conference.

Community events

On 15 January, Transition Breath teamed up with Flow Yoga Canberra and ran a yoga and meditation night. We had no expectation on how many people would participate, or how much people would donate. Amazingly, we sold 32 tickets and raised $1400 (!!!!) to go towards the Australian Red Cross and WWF-Australia. Thank you to all that joined.



Finally, on the topic of climate change and the environment, here is an interesting read about the linkages between psychedelics and our relationship with nature, and how these medicines can be used to help enhance people's connection to the natural world: https://theconversation.com/could-psychedelics-help-us-resolve-the-climate-crisis-129639?fbclid=IwAR0zU4u8luuMShBShkqusCwLLuJP1qIo_0TJfCrOt2ZyWjJvvXPtmJ3T89w

That's it for now. Breathe well everyone,

Transition Breath update - May 2019

Transition Breath has had a busy May, with a number of events and activities held throughout the month. Here is the latest news: 

Walking and breathing meditation in Namadgi National Park

On 11 May 2019, twelve people came together to breathe and meditate at Booroomba Rocks in Namadgi National Park. This event included Wim Hof, traditional plant medicine, guided meditation and the introduction of a number of useful breathing techniques for daily emotional support. It also encouraged engagement and quiet reflection on the natural world and with other participants. 

The second meditation is scheduled for Saturday, 8 June (event details available here) and will be more focused on quiet contemplation in the bush, rather than just climbing to the destination. There are still a number of spaces available, so please come along with you feel called for some nature therapy.

In the months ahead, other locations will be used to offer people an opportunity to further explore the beautiful landscape of the ACT. In addition, I am currently in the process of developing an LGBTIQ+ program, which I hope to roll out in the months ahead. 

Corporate program 

The Senate, at the Australian Parliament House, launched its first Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which was accompanied by a number of wellbeing workshops between 13 and 17 May.

Transition Breath offered meditation and breathing workshops, which received rave reviews from Senate employees. For many, this was the first time they had experienced the valuable effect meditation and breathing exercises have on mental wellbeing.

If you or our workplace is interested in developing a similar program (full, half day, or regular meditation classes) then contact info@transitionbreath.com or go to https://www.transitionbreath.com/workshops

Breathing/meditation consultations

Sometimes, you may not be feeling up for an "activated" breathwork session, but may still feel the need for engaging with your breath in a therapeutic space. If so, Transition Breath now offers Breathing and Meditation Consultations. These consultations include:

• a check-in discussion and reflection on the material that you bring into the session;

• a number of movement exercises to help you become embodied;

• a number of breathing exercises (non-activated); and

• a guided meditation.

Each session goes for approximately one hour. More information available at https://www.transitionbreath.com/bookings

Global Inspiration Conference 2019 - Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA

On 22 June 2019, breathwork enthusiasts from across the world are meeting for the annual Global Inspiration Conference, which this year is held at Joshua Tree National Park in California, USA. For one whole week participants are immersed in everything related to breathing, meditation, dance, conscious conversation and much more. I am extremely excited to attend this event, which will include workshops with some of the best and most experienced breathwork practitioners in the world. For more information go to http://gic2019.com/

Unfortunately, my attendance at this event will mean my clinic will be closed from 20 June to 22 July, so get in contact if you'd like to schedule an appointment before this time. 

Climate change and other writing

In case you missed them, I've written a number of articles that have focused on climate change, and the cultural and spiritual significance of the breath. The topic of climate change has become a particular focus, and with weather events likely to increase in severity, the emotional impacts of these events are likely to be magnified too. For further information about the linkages between climate change and mental health, see https://www.transitionbreath.com/climatechange. Otherwise, my most recent articles are:

• World Breathing Day: A Global Perspective Of The Healing Nature And Spiritual Importance Of Breath

• A Climate Of Change: A Therapeutic Response To Climate Change

Expanded opening hours

Transition Breath has expanded its hours to now include every Friday, from 9am to 6pm. Otherwise, you can book an appointment for:

• Tuesday evenings from 6pm

• Wednesday evenings from 6pm

• Thursday evenings from 6pm

• Weekends by appointment

Contact Joshua at info@transitionbreath.com if you'd like to make an appointment.

Breath well everyone,

Joshua

Walking and breathwork meditation in Namadgi National Park

On 11 May 2019, Transition Breath is hosting a walking meditation to Yankee Hat in Namadgi National Park. The facilitator will guide participants to connect with their body, their breath and to consciously and silently engage with the beautiful landscape found at Yankee Hat walking track. Further information can be found here.

The day will proceed as follows:

10am- Participants will meet at Yankee Hat walking track carpark, where they will be guided to engage with their body and their breath. This will be followed by an intention setting discussion, smudging ceremony and rapé (pronounced ha-PAY, a sacred tobacco ash, optional).

11am- Participants will then, in silence, walk along the path to Yankee Hat, and are encouraged to remain present and be interactive with the Land (approx. 1.5 hour walk).

12.30pm- Once everyone has arrived at a Yankee Hat, the facilitator will conduct another meditation, followed by a discussion about participants' thoughts, feelings and interaction with the environment. Light snacks and tea will be shared before the walk back to the trail's carpark (approx. 2.5 hours).

3pm- A final debrief will be shared upon return, and thereafter participants are free to return to Canberra.