The Breath Letter -#9
Dear Breather,
As I was lying dying down, listening to the sound of the gong and looking at the tip of the tipi, I was reflecting a little and was reminded of a painful truth:
Most of us in the West are deeply deprived of community and ritualised practices
And since the strength of your relationship is only the biggest predictor of happiness in your life, according to Harvard, that’s a big deal.
We were at Inti & Waira Festival with Team Bullerengue - a fascinating gathering, heavily influenced by all kinds of Latin-American cultures. Most of the people there knew each other or knew of each other - simply through the communities they’ve continued to foster in the UK. But even the people who didn’t know each other seemed to just intuitively connect and blend in to the whole experience. A deep, almost innate like, understanding of how to be part of a group and the role that ritual plays in this. A bit like the poles of a tipi, pretty useless by themselves, but forming a safe structure when bound together.
If I’m honest, I don’t even know my neighbours first name.
This is partially also my “issue” with our approach to healing in our society. We go to see someone because we experience a disconnect, a pain, a discomfort and hopefully they help us to be in connection again. But in connection to what? A society that fundamentally is focused on the individual rather than the collective?
So yes, this is what I was thinking about in this tent:
Keep doing the important work you’re all doing, working towards connection.
And maybe next time, invite a friend or your neighbour to come with you.
Slowly rebuilding our collective rituals and communities.
One person at a time.
The Breath
Heartbeat Breathing
This is a very tactile practice, something I personally very much enjoy.
It makes us more aware of the direct connection between the breath and the heart.
And it provides us with some real live data, but without having to use technology.
When we inhale, our heart rate speeds up.
When we exhale, our heart rate slows down.
Check out this amazing video explaining how.
So that’s what we are basically going to track, using our fingertips.
Instructions:
Find yourself in a comfortable, seated, position.
Play some calming music in the background if this helps you.
Start to connect to your breath, breathing slowly through the nose.
When you feel calm and checked in:
Place the fingertips of the right hand, on the bottom, thumb, side of the left wrist and find your heartbeat.
Now slowly start to extend your inhale and exhale and start to observe.
Can you feel your heart rate increasing on the inhale?
Can you feel your heart rate slowing down again as you extend your exhale?
The Insights
Micro Practices
“I wish I could practice more, but I don’t make time for it.” Sound familiar?
It definitely sounds familiar to me…But recently I was reminded of the power of micro practices.
And when I say micro, I mean micro:
One conscious breath.
Dropping the shoulders.
Taste a sip of ginger tea.
The experience of a hot shower on your skin.
Consistently coming back to these micro-moments has a macro impact, I promise.
Longing
Recently the word “longing” came up in conversation as we were talking about the somatic experience. And in doing so I realised there are two types of longing and they closely tie together with (non-)duality.
The first type of longing is towards duality; splitting off from our direct experience in an attempt not to feel something, leading to behaviour that distracts us or provides, often short term, relief.
The second type of longing does the opposite. Though sometimes difficult, this type of longing brings us into contact with our direct experience. You simply are your experience, non-dual. It doesn’t lead to any behaviour, the longing of this experience is the permission to simply be, to be fully felt and acknowledged.
The Content
Jon Hopkins
Last week I went to Royal Albert Hall to listen to a collection of his songs, played live by a huge orchestra and choir. Even the man himself looked deeply impressed by the whole experience - for the right reasons.
Pick any song and it’ll most likely support you on a breathing journey.
Breaking the Secret Cycleof Anger, Shame and Depression - Terry Real
One of them podcasts…
The opening sentence “Hurt people hurt people” - boom. Very happy to have discovered this man’s work and I’m sure many podcasts will follow.
The Vagal Brake
Worth the watch. A short video about the workings of the nervous system, including the Vagus nerve, and how we can learn to slow down again using this mechanism.
The Experiences
6th of September @ Fire + Alchemy - Shoreditch - Breathwork Class
For this session we’ll do a deep-dive into the world of breathing - with a specific focus on Playfulness.
Last week we did a session here where someone said “I had a conversation with myself that I’ve been trying to have for decades, thank you so much”. So definitely looks like things are set in motion in this space!
Tickets here
9th of September @ Bullerengue & Breath - London Fields- Breathwork, Dance, Movement
I’m so excited for this one! I teamed up with Valeria and Esteban, who are two incredible people who are bringing their amazing practice and ritual from North-Colombia to East London. An evening of breathing, dancing, drumming, singing and community!
Tickets here
12th of September - Breathwork & Sound Bath @ Clapton - London
Excited for this 2 hour breathing and sound immersion! A collaborative event with the Bless crew who will bring their bowls, crystals and cooking skills for a nice gentle meal post session.
Tickets here
13th of September @ Bless - Breathwork Class - London - Stoke Newington
I really enjoy these sessions since they’re very intimate. Max 6 people in a cosy space.
Perfect for those who want to explore group breathwork in a safe container.
You also get a free Breathe. Card Deck with this one!
Tickets here
14th of September @ Open House Hackney - Breathwork Class - East London
My regular Breathwork Odyssey session in collaboration with The Psychedelic Society.
An evening full of connected breathing, movement and music!
Make sure to bring your own yoga mat, blanket and cushion :)
Tickets here
As always, if you have any questions about anything breath related, are interested in one on one breathwork in London or online, joining a group sessions or just want to have a chat please feel free to reach out or book in some time here: https://calendly.com/stevenebbers/30min-checkin
Enjoy the breath!
With warmth,
Steven from Breathlife
