Conscious Connected Breathwork: An Introspective and Integrative Journey (In-Person Program)

Introspective Breathwork™, a form of conscious connected breathwork, is a healing, therapeutic modality which invites us into deeper relationship with ourselves. Breath is a bridge between matter and consciousness, and its intentional, mindful practice can ease stress and heal dysregulation in our nervous system, bringing us to a greater degree of integrated peace, embodied presence, and self-insight.

Join Certified Introspective Breathwork™ Facilitator, Amy Kulesa, for an introduction and experience of conscious connected breathwork. Sometimes called “circular breathing,” conscious connected breathwork involves deep, diaphragmatic inhalations followed by natural, unforced exhalation, without a pause at the top and bottom of the breath. After a brief introduction to the history and practice of breathwork, participants will breathe this way for an hour, lying down on a mat or cushion, to the accompaniment of ambient music. When breathing in this way, you are in conscious control at all times of your own experience and can slow down or quicken your breath at any time, pause to get a drink or use the restroom. Amy will offer support through compassionate and soulful presence and, when appropriate, through verbal prompts or gentle touch (with your permission). Following the breathwork practice, there will be an integrative time of journaling, stretching, walking – whatever is helpful to you – to process the experience more fully and then a time of voluntary sharing as a group.

The breath’s integrative benefits are felt as we come into contact through deep presence to ourselves with an embodied experience of our emotions, memories, physical tensions, and spiritual dimensions. This can allow us to behold ourselves in an expanded way within an enlarged, more cosmic field of love and unitive consciousness. Conscious connected breathwork can gently support us in healing from stress, the everyday tensions of our lives, and deeper-seated unresolved effects from trauma. The environment for an Introspective Breathwork™ session is a nurturing, safe space for self-exploration and coming into a deepened experience of transcendent Love. Each session and each person’s experience is unique, as the breath facilitates movement of emotional energy up and through into consciousness and release, and supports inner unity of body, mind and spirit.

Studies have found conscious connected breathwork to be very safe-rarely, if ever, do people experience adverse effects. Participants who are pregnant, have a cardiac condition, or other medical conditions such as bi-polar disorder or epilepsy, need to be aware that activating breath practice affects the entire body’s systems. Participants are encouraged to discuss their interest in the program with their healthcare provider. All participants will be required to sign a release form after registration and return it to Amy for review.

PLEASE NOTE: This program is being held in the Upper Room at the Well. Participants will need to walk up the stairs to the 3rd Floor. Additionally, the length of the program will be 2 to 2.5 hours depending upon participant sharing.

DATE: Saturday, July 13, 2024

TIME: 1:00 – 3:30 PM

COST: $50

LOCATION: Well for the Journey – 120 W. Seminary Ave, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093

REGISTRATION is required; please register here.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Please read our cancellation policy, here.

IMPORTANT: You will receive an email from lorie@wellforthejourney.org at least 24 hours in advance of the start of your program. If you are unable to find the email, please check your SPAM or JUNK email folders. This email will include details to help you prepare for your program including any pertinent handouts, location information, and the ZOOM link for online programs. Please be sure you have received and read this email a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the start of the program. Thank you!

FACILITATOR: Amy Kulesa

FACILITATOR BIO: 
A resident of Frederick, MD, Amy Kulesa has served since 2007 as the Director of Associates for the Sisters of Bon Secours, USA. She earned a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Master of Social Work in clinical social work practice from Rutgers University. She is a graduate of One Breath Institute, the Epiphany Academy of Formative Spirituality in Pittsburgh, PA, and the Bon Secours Spiritual Direction Institute. Amy is a Secular Franciscan, is married and enjoys life with her husband and their four furry family members. She offers spiritual direction and enjoys facilitating retreats in which participants have the opportunity to discern the narrative of their own lives within the larger story of God’s abundant healing, grace and mercy.