The Power of Breath: Experiencing Transformational Breathwork

by Laurie Richardone

Breath is often something we take for granted, but recently, I embarked on a journey that showed me just how powerful it can be. Although I’ve practiced breathwork for years, transformational breathwork was a new technique.

This practice uses music, sound, and conscious breathing through the mouth to help release emotional blockages, reduce stress, and facilitate deep healing. It’s been a transformative experience, changing how I navigate stress, emotions, and my connection to myself.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, uncertain, or curious about the power of breath, this personal story might resonate with you. I’ve lived with headaches for more than 30 years, a condition that began when I moved to Santa Fe in the early ‘90s.

Over the years, I’ve tried everything—from acupuncture to kinesiology, meditation, body work, and even a gluten-free diet. All of these methods brought relief, notably eliminating gluten, but I still battled with headaches, though they were less intense than before.

Despite all the different approaches I tried, nothing seemed to address the root cause of my headaches. That was until I experienced transformational breathwork.

A Game-Changing Breathwork Session

A friend invited me to a three-hour breathwork session. The skilled teacher led the session and guided us through a deep meditation. Using a combination of music, sound, breath, and even body movement, I was encouraged to go deeper than I had ever gone before. It was a powerful and unexpected experience.

As I breathed deeply, waves of emotions rose, something I had not anticipated. The breath seemed to unlock memories I had buried, lessons I hadn’t fully learned, and energy stuck in my body. When the session ended, I felt a profound sense of peace, self-compassion, and gratitude that I had never experienced quite like it.

Releasing Long-Held Patterns

Growing up with a critical and controlling parent, it seems natural to develop patterns of seeking perfection and control. This breathwork session helped to release those deep-seated tendencies that had manifested as physical tension in my body.

It was an eye-opening reminder that energy can remain trapped in our bodies, impacting us in ways we don’t always understand.

Whether we’re consciously aware of it or not, we all carry some form of trauma—big or small. This breathwork sparked a deeper inquiry into what my headaches were trying to communicate. I realized that headaches were symptoms. They weren’t the root cause of my discomfort.

Whether you’re dealing with chronic physical pain or emotional stress or simply want to explore a new way of releasing old energy, transformational breathwork could be a game changer. Sometimes, it takes a little breath, sound, and movement to unlock what’s holding us back.

Remember, the power to heal and release is always within us. Sometimes, it’s as simple as taking a breath.

Wishing you wellness & Vitality ~

If you are a curious person or cook join me on my Podcast- A Taste for All Seasons

Listen to the latest episode - The Power of Breath.

All episodes are on LaurieRichardone.com - or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Laurie Richardone is a seasonal chef, teacher of gluten-free cooking, and Wellness Coach

To work with Laurie, visit LaurieRichardone.com/contact