In-Person Sessions

Some things to know ahead of and immediately after attending an in-person session.

Where are sessions hosted?

Sessions will be carried out at Southsea Shala, 1 St Vincent Road, Southsea, PO5 2QR.

What do I need to bring?

The following items will be provided for you, however you’re more than welcome to bring your own equivalent:

  • Yoga Mat
  • Small Pillow
  • Weighted Blanket
  • Eye Mask
  • Towel
  • Bottle of Water

Should I eat before a session?

Breathwork sessions can involve deep diaphragmatic breathing, which feels uncomfortable on a full stomach.

Also, digestion can interrupt the relaxation response and emotional integration during breathwork, therefore I’d recommend the following:

Ideal Timing for Eating:

  • Avoid heavy meals for 2–3 hours before the session.
  • Light snacks are fine up to 1 hour before.
  • Hydrate well beforehand, but don’t overdrink immediately prior.

Recommended Types of Food:

  • Easily digestible snacks: fruits, smoothies, nuts, yogurt.
  • Avoid foods that are greasy, spicy, or heavy.
  • Limit stimulants or sugary snacks that might spike blood sugar.

What should I wear?

An extended Breathwork session is actually quite a workout, particularly during conscious connected breathing.

It’s therefore recommended you dress in gym gear or other clothing which offers you full range of moving.

What happens after the session?

In the days following an Awakening Breathwork session you might experience a range of emotional, physical, and psychological effects, as the body integrates and processes the experience.

ℹ️ I will be available to talk things through and support you in the days following a session, however as described in the New Client Registration, I am not a Medical Professional or Therapist, so it’s important that you have a support structure in place to help you as you “integrate” the experience.

I will talk more about this at the outset of our session, but common experiences are listed below in a level of detail which is high but deliberately broad to cover most scenarios (kind of like a medication side effect list!) so please don’t let any of it worry you 😊.

Emotional Experiences:

  • Heightened emotional sensitivity: Feelings may surface more easily, including sadness, joy, anger, or grief.
  • Emotional release or catharsis: Continued processing of emotions or memories unearthed during the session.
  • Mood fluctuations: Oscillations between feeling euphoric, calm, or even temporarily unsettled.
  • Clarity or insight: Deeper self-awareness, introspection, or insights into personal challenges.

Physical Experiences:

  • Fatigue or tiredness: Feeling physically drained as the nervous system recalibrates.
  • Improved energy or vitality: An increase in energy levels or feeling physically lighter.
  • Sleep changes: Either deeper, more restful sleep or temporary disturbances.
  • Physical sensations: Temporary tingling, vibrations, subtle tremors, or shifts in bodily sensations.
  • Headaches or mild dizziness: Occasional symptoms as the body adjusts to new breathing patterns.
  • Ahem, increased bowel activity: That’s as politely as I can say it 😊

Psychological Experiences:

  • Heightened awareness or mindfulness: A sense of increased presence or clarity.
  • Reduced anxiety or stress: A calmer mind, reduced mental chatter, or lower anxiety levels.
  • Integration challenges: Moments of feeling unsettled, vulnerable, or raw as deeper emotional material surfaces.

Spiritual/Existential Experiences:

  • Enhanced connection: Feelings of interconnectedness, spiritual insight, or deeper connection with self and others.
  • Shift in perspective: Changes in personal values, priorities, or attitudes toward life challenges.

Self-care Recommendations Post-Session:

  • Hydrate well.
  • Gentle movement or stretching.
  • Journaling or reflecting to support emotional integration.
  • Spending time in nature or grounding practices.
  • Resting adequately and allowing the body to recalibrate.