There is a way of breathing
That is a shame and a suffocation.
And there is another kind of breath,
A love breath,
Which opens you infinitely.
—Rumi
Breathing consciously and optimally may be our most powerful medicine for kinesthetic, emotional, and cognitive well-being, as well as our most reliable guide for journeying toward self-realization.
Throughout the ages, cultures, medical and health systems, and spiritual lineages have developed breath practices to enhance the quality of life. Now, in the 21st century, we are aware of enough anecdotal and epidemiological evidence, ancient wisdom, and current research to support a movement to make breath practices accessible to all.
This unprecedented gathering of teachers, scientists, psychiatrists, and social activists offers scientific, philosophical, humanistic, and spiritual foundations for the benefits available from the entire spectrum of breath practices. Anyone is invited, from curious beginners to health professionals interested in incorporating breathwork into their practices.
We learn the simplest of breathing techniques that encourage relaxation, stress-reduction, and vitality; progressively enhanced breathing techniques that promote cortisone regulation, stimulate immune functioning and hormonal regulation, and support neural regulation and integration; and, finally, intensive breathing techniques, like Integrative Breathwork, that invite nonordinary states of awareness to help us penetrate the deepest parts of ourselves and access our greatest gifts.
Immersed in these practices, we come to understand that within each breath dwells the possibility for healing, personal growth, spiritual development, enhanced creativity, increased intelligence and wisdom, improved relational harmony, an attuned access to intuition, and heightened mystical realization, to help us more fully participate in building a healthier world together.
At the conclusion of this conference, participants will be able to:
-
recognize a range of therapeutic breath techniques and the scientific evidence base that supports their use
-
discuss neurophysiological mechanisms that underlie the therapeutic effects of specific breath practices, including effects on sympatho-vagal balance, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, neural networks involved in emotion regulation, the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
-
describe how heart rate variability and sympatho-vagal balance contribute to overall well-being, stress-resilience, and reduction of symptoms in anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, and stress-related medical conditions
-
recognize benefits, risks, and contraindications for specific breath practices
-
identify patients who could benefit from specific breath practices and make appropriate referrals
-
demonstrate additional learning, information, and training in how to safely administer therapeutic breath practices to improve outcomes in clinical practice
-
identify breath practices that have been proven to be effective for rapid stress relief during and after mass disasters
-
experience breath and meditation practices for stress reduction, improved attention, relief of physical pain and psychological distress
-
apply breath and movement practices for self-care and to counteract professional burnout, caregiver stress, or caregiver vicarious trauma
-
examine breath practices that enhance physical, emotional and cognitive well-being for healthy populations as well as those with health issues
Teachers
Jack Kornfield, Stanislav Grof, Dan Siegel, Jessica Dibb, Richard P. Brown, Patricia L. Gerbarg, Jim Morningstar, Gay Hendricks, Rabia Hayek, Jaime Collaco, and Jenna Grayson
Teachers are subject to change. Please note: Jack Kornfield will participate via live video stream. Dan Siegel will be present on Monday and Tuesday.
