How to Prepare for an In Person Botanical Breathwork Ceremony
First, I want to say how much of a privilege it is to be your facilitating guide for your upcoming Botanical Breathwork Ceremony! Keep reading for ways to best prepare for your in person ceremony.
Show up as you are
Showing up as you are means that you don’t need to act a certain way or hold a certain vibe to be in company with others. Breathwork, a large component to my ceremonies, is energy healing and one of the main points of it is to address your current state of being. Did you feel like you woke up on the wrong side of bed the morning of your appointment? Been feeling low on life force energy? Your ceremony should help you feel revitalized and reconnected.
Set an intention...
Is there something you're going through or have experienced that you'd like to heal or transition from at this time?
Perhaps there's something you'd like to manifest and birth into your reality. Or you’re asking to help move forward from an old or current chapter into the next, new one.
Setting an intention for your ceremony can shed a light on any blocks that are preventing you from moving forward. Intention setting is a huge component to making the “ask" and declaring our desires to the universe.
Examples look like:
May I be open to whatever medicine or messages my soul receives during breathwork
I’d like to open myself up to receive more XYZ [ insert your desire here ] in my life
May this time and space together serve me well on my healing journey
I’d like to be more in touch with my intuition so that I know how to move forward on XYZ [ insert situation here ]
May I cultivate a deeper relationship with my body, mind and soul so that receiving is as easy as releasing
...AND be open to whatever your soul receives
There may be some additional messages or medicine your soul is meant to receive at the time of your ceremony.
Often, we don't get what we want because there's actually something better, or there's still more preparation that needs to take place in order for you to meet your desires.
Be open to whatever your soul receives during your ceremony. Know that what you truly desire and deserve is making its way to you.
Wear Comfortable Clothes
The FLOW Breathwork method, which is the type of breathwork I facilitate in my ceremonies, includes not just breath work, but also energy work and body work. There may be movements, dancing and other somatic techniques incorporated in your session! Because you may be moving, standing, seated and/or laying down at any time during our time together, you’ll want to wear clothes that make it cozy to do so. Examples include:
Joggers, sweatpants or yoga pants
T-shirts or sweaters
Loose skirts or dresses
Additionally, you’ll want to ensure you have comfortable padding for both seated and standing techniques such as a blanket, rug, towel, yoga mat, a couch or bed. It’s OK to have pillows however while doing breathwork as you’re laying down, you’ll want your airways nice and clear so that you can receive and release properly.
Eye masks or scarves to cover your eyes can help bring your attention deep into the experience. To enhance your session, you can have supportive items around like your favorite crystals, artifacts and essential oils.
Nourish Properly
If possible, try to arrive to the session with a nearly empty stomach or avoid eating an 1-2 hours prior.
Before and after your session, please drink plenty of water. Or liquids with a high amount of electrolytes! This will assist in moving energy throughout your energetic field. For virtual sessions, keep a glass of water near you. For in person sessions, you’re welcome to bring water of your own and you’ll be offered water.
Additionally, it’s highly advisable that for the 24 hours prior to your ceremony, your body’s system is clear of non-prescribed, recreational substances including drugs, alcohol and caffeine. Please continue to take any prescribed medications as is necessary.
Communicate Your Needs or Concerns
If there are accommodations or accessibility needs that haven’t been discussed yet, please reach out to me before your ceremony so we can make this the best experience possible for you.
The first 5-10 minutes of a session is dedicated to understanding your story and reality. You’ll be given an overview of what to expect and what you may experience during breathwork. I’ll also be breathing with you throughout parts of the ceremony to help guide you.
We’ll also discuss modifications, including:
Modifying your seated position based on your accessibility needs
Modifying your breathing technique based on your comfort level
Modifying your breathing pace to include as many breaks as it feels right for you