Hey there, Lauren here, answering this great question:

If you've attended a breathwork workshop before (e.g. holotropic breathwork, neurodynamic breathwork, transformational breathwork, etc) or have experienced a similar kind of ceremonial group healing event, you might already know what I'll say here: I would invite you to let go of any expectations and allow yourself to be present to the experience as if it were your first time. Set your intentions but release any attachment to any one particular outcome. Do not assume that because a workshop is virtual that the effects can be any less potent than a live workshop. Our virtual breathwork workshop may be even more potent for you due to the simple fact that you get to feel save, comfortable, in your own space and aren't as susceptible to others' energy or other distractions while you're in the breathwork experience.

For newcomers to my workshops and those new to breathwork: I offer my sincere welcome! I'm happy to share with you a loose overview of the virtual breathwork workshop.

First, you'll want to read the other FAQs below. Once you join the workshop, you'll be welcomed in and asked to have your microphone on mute and have a good set of headphones (ideally noise-canceling but any are better than none). Most breathers will have their videos turned on and I invite you to keep your video on for the workshop. I'll share an overview of the breathing technique we'll be using, health considerations and I'll sometimes teach on a particular healing or growth-related topic and pose a couple of questions for you to inquire on in your journal. I'll do a short sound check to allow everyone a moment to ensure their headphones are at the optimal volume for them. I'll answer any questions before we begin, and then we'll begin the breathwork technique. Most individuals will be laying down on a bed, yoga mat on the floor, or sitting upright on a comfortable chair or meditation cushion.

Part 1: The Actual Ceremonial Breathwork. The breathwork portion of our workshop, you'll hear a curated instrumental music track designed to help you find your rhythm and deepen into the ceremony. I'll guide you to begin, but then the music will guide you more fully into the process. Following the breathwork portion, you'll then be immersed in relaxing, meditative music for the remainder of the session.

Part 2: Integration. After the final song plays and after a short break, I'll gently and warmly invite everyone to come back to the camera where we'll "circle up" to begin the process of integrating your experience and grounding your learnings. Integration is a safe space to share, ask for guidance if needed, and hold space to hear and learn from others in the circle. No one is obligated to share during integration, but everyone is encouraged to stay and continue holding the container until we complete.

As I said before... Try not to adhere too tightly to expectations or ideas about "how it should go." Every workshop and group has a unique flavor, and often people find that they came to heal around one challenge they're experiencing, only to find out that their consciousness went in a different direction and healed what needed to be healed. Every breathwork experience fulfills a purpose and can have great meaning for you.

Set your intentions to be curious, open, receptive, surrendered and trusting that the Universe has your back during the entire process and beyond-- and you'll be well on your way to having what many have called the experience of a lifetime!

Most medical conditions and mild to moderate anxiety and depression will actually benefit from transformational breathwork like what we practice. But we want you to be safe. Here's a list of medical and psychological conditions for which breathwork may NOT be suitable:

• Cardiovascular issues, including a history of heart attack, heart disease, angina, or uncontrolled hypertension

• Respiratory disorders, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• Seizure disorders, including epilepsy

• Glaucoma or retinal detachment

• Acute infectious illness or fever

• Those with current or history of mental health conditions, such as psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder.

• Active addiction or substance abuse

• Pregnancy, especially in the first trimester

• Recent surgery or injury, particularly to the chest or abdomen

• Individuals using medications that affect respiration or cardiovascular function

Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before participating in breathwork, especially if you have any concerns or pre-existing conditions. Also a legal disclaimer, as facilitator and also a licensed registered nurse, Lauren is NOT making any recommendations or claims that breathwork will heal, treat or cure any illness. Although she IS a healthcare professional, she is not your healthcare professional, and defers all questions you have about your medical readiness for breathwork to your healthcare provider.

We suggest having a comfortable place to sit or lay flat.  Clothing wise, it’s best to wear comfortable or loose fitting clothing.  You might also want to have a blanket, eye mask, and journal, tissues and writing utensil(s) handy. Additionally, you might choose to have items nearby that have a deep or symbolic meaning that would be supportive to your growth.  Lastly... Chapstick/ lip moisturizer and a bottle of water or tea. The breathwork technique is done through the mouth and some people like to have this handy!

You’ll want to ensure there are no distractions or interruptions during any part of the workshop. This is a closed workshop experience and we ask that you set clear boundaries to keep our space sacred, both for yourself and the other participants. If you have housemates, we suggest you let them know the day of, and shortly before that you’ll be unavailable during the workshop. Many find it’s helpful to put a sign in the door gently reminding others that you are not reachable.

Yes, we'll make a replay available of the introduction and breathwork experience (Part 1 of the two part workshop) and will make it available to you it within a couple days of the workshop. Unfortunately, due to the sacred nature of the space we cultivate together, we do not replay the Integration portion (Part 2) of the workshop.

First and foremost, those who only watch the replay aren’t able to participate in the integration session following the breathwork experience which is just as important (if not more important) than the breathwork experience itself.  Secondly, integration is a time where participants share very openly and authentically about their experiences, often feeling safe to share very personal stories with the group. That said, to maintain confidentiality and safety of our container, we commit as a group that, “what happens here, stays here," and we highly encourage you to commit to staying through the entire integration portion of the workshop.

If you have to catch the replay and can't make our integration session, we are considering offering additional ceremonial or breathwork integration group or private sessions, so if this is of interest to you, please send an email to admin@theluminaryinstitute.com to be added to the email list for if/when this becomes available.

Not at all. Breathwork doesn't contradict any religious beliefs and can even strengthen the spiritual connection you have. Additionally, it’s totally okay if you don’t identify as spiritual or religious.  Participants still experience its profound effects. The cool thing about breathwork is that, spiritual or not, people tend to feel very connected to one another following the experience. At the core, breathwork is all about learning about your nervous system and helping you shift from out of the thinking, rational, self-limiting mind to a more grounded, centered, loving and patient authentic self.

Not at all. Breathwork doesn't contradict any religious beliefs and can even strengthen the spiritual connection you have. Additionally, it’s totally okay if you don’t identify as spiritual or religious.  Participants still experience its profound effects. The cool thing about breathwork is that, spiritual or not, people tend to feel very connected to one another following the experience. At the core, breathwork is all about learning about your nervous system and helping you shift from out of the thinking, rational, self-limiting mind to a more grounded, centered, loving and patient authentic self.

 No, it isn’t hypnosis.  You have complete control over your breath and body at ALL times.  If you feel a lot of energy moving and emotion coming up that feels intense, you can ALWAYS slow down your breathing to your normal pace and calm your experience. Whereas hypnosis might be understood as someone else helping you observe and even change your thoughts, breathwork is a solo process which allows YOU to be the thinker/feeler, the observer and the guide.