Thinking About Joining a Breathwork Session?
Here’s Your Beginner-Friendly Guide. Helpful Even If You’re a Seasoned Breather.
You’ve seen breathwork circles popping up everywhere.
You’ve heard friends talk about “that one session that shifted everything.”
You’ve maybe felt a quiet curiosity inside you…
but also a small voice asking:
“What actually happens there? How do I breathe? What if I do it wrong?”
You’re not alone.
Every single person - even the most experienced breathers, started exactly where you are now:
with questions, uncertainty, and a desire to understand the process before surrendering into it.
This post is your soft landing.
A simple, clear, no-nonsense guide to what breathwork - specifically Conscious Connected Breath, (CCB) looks like, how to prepare, and what you can expect.
And truthfully?
Even if you’ve been breathing for years, repetition of the basics is never wasted.
The foundations always matter.
Let’s begin.
1. First Things First: What Even Is Breathwork?
CCB (Conscious Connected Breath) is a somatic, circular breathing technique.
It looks simple on the outside, but it works deeply with your nervous system.
Think of it as:
A conversation between you and your body
that doesn’t require words.
It’s not hyperventilation.
It’s not mystical.
It’s not about “achieving” anything.
It’s about creating a safe level of activation so your body can release tension, emotions, and old patterns that may be ready to move.
Every person’s experience is different.
Every session is different - even for the same person.
2. How Do You Actually Breathe? (Beginner-Friendly + Trauma-Informed approach)
The breath pattern is continuous, circular, and intentional.
Here’s the simplest version:
1) Active Inhale
A fuller, intentional breath, but not forced.
You can inhale through the mouth or the nose, depending on what your body needs:
Mouth breathing = more emotional access, more expression
Nose breathing = more grounding, softer, gentler
You can switch at any time.
2) Passive Exhale
Let the breath fall out naturally - no control, no pushing.
Most people exhale through the mouth, but nose exhale is welcome too.
3) No Pauses
The inhale connects directly into the exhale.
Think circle, not step-step-step.
If things feel too intense?
Slow down. Return to the nose.
Gentle is always an option.
You lead the experience - your breathworker only guides.
3. What Might You Feel? (Spoiler: You’re Not Doing It Wrong)
Because breathwork works with the nervous system, many different sensations can appear.
Here are some completely normal ones:
Physical sensations
tingling in hands or face
warmth or cold
trembling or shaking
tightness in hands or jaw
waves of energy
Emotional responses
sadness
tears
anger
laughter
relief
deep calm
Inner experiences
clarity
memories
symbolic images
big or small “aha” moments
There is no correct or incorrect experience.
Your body decides what’s ready.
4. How to Prepare (So You Feel Grounded Before You Begin)
You don’t need anything fancy - just presence.
Your space (if online from the comfort of your home):
quiet, private, safe
yoga mat, bed, or couch
pillows + blanket
no sharp corners nearby
Your setup:
headphones if possible
water
comfy clothes
light meal 2–3 hours before
phone on silent
Your mindset:
set an intention (highly recommended)
then let it go
stay curious
no expectations required
This is not for performance.
You can show up exactly as you are.
5. Who Should Avoid Intense Breathwork? (Safety First)
Breathwork is powerful - and not recommended for everyone.
Avoid deep, intense CCB if you have:
pregnancy (1st + 2nd trimester; 3rd = only gentle breathing)
major heart conditions
uncontrolled high blood pressure
epilepsy / seizures
recent surgery
active psychosis or schizophrenia
overwhelming anxiety without therapeutic support
If you’re unsure, ask your facilitator.
There’s always a way to adapt.
6. After the Session: What Now?
You might feel:
peaceful
tired
open
emotional
spacious
grounded
Your system has just done a lot.
Give it what it needs.
Support your integration:
drink water
rest
move slowly
journal a few sentences
take a gentle walk
avoid overwhelming conversations
The real magic often unfolds after the session.
7. Final Thoughts: You Can’t Do It Wrong
If you take one thing from this guide, let it be this:
Breathwork meets you exactly where you are.
Your body sets the pace.
You cannot fail.
Whether it’s your very first session or your fiftieth,
the same principles apply:
breathe consciously
move gently
stay curious
trust your body
And come back to this guide anytime.
Repetition is not boring - it’s regulating.
It’s the foundation of safe, meaningful breathwork.
If you’re ready, your breath is ready too.
