PODCAST: Why Breathwork & Meditation need Each Other
The Gentle Revolution Podcast: Episode 1 – Why Breathwork & Meditation need each other
Below is a condensed transcript of Episode 1 of the Gentle Revolution Podcast, my freshly hatched Podcast for the People, you can watch the video or listen via your Spotify or Apple.
Welcome to the very first episode of the Gentle Revolution podcast! This long-awaited journey, at least by me, promises to delve into the nuance of successful living. The Gentle Revolution aims to present a hopeful and optimistic outlook on humanity's potential and Earth's evolution, with the heart of it all being the evolution of awareness.
The Gentler Evolution…
Play around with the name "The Gentle Revolution," and you get "the gentler evolution," which is a core belief driving this podcast. I believe it's possible for humans to have a sustainable existence on Earth without prepping for doomsday or abandoning ship for Mars. Optimism, cooperation, tolerance, and empathy lie at the center of this philosophy, striving for successful co-existence with our planet and all its beings.
Foundations in Yoga and Meditation
At the core of this belief and practice is yoga, coupled with meditation, breath work, and self-awareness. As a teacher and practitioner, I understand that yoga should comprise these elements, helping us explore who we are and how we show up in the world. Accountability is key here—we must take responsibility for our actions and their ripple effects on the future and the people around us.
Why Breathwork Needs Meditation
Today's episode focuses on the relationship between breathwork and meditation. Breathwork isn't just about energizing the body; it's about stimulating samskara, or sense impressions, including trauma. Techniques like the Wim Hof method are energizing but must be followed by meditation to balance the psyche. Failing to do so can result in what’s been referred to as a "kundalini crack up," where one is overwhelmed by unresolved trauma.
I recommend coupling dynamic breathwork practices like Tummo or Wim Hof with calming exercises, such as Nadi Shodhana (balancing breath) or Brahmari (humming bee breath). Adding simple meditation practices like Vipassana or the use of mantras can further stabilize the mind.
Why Meditation Needs Breathwork
Conversely, meditation benefits from the preparatory work of breathwork. With the multitude of distractions in modern life, it’s challenging to achieve a meditative state swiftly. Breathwork like pranayama helps balance the nervous system, making meditation more accessible. Practicing a third of time each in physical stretches, breathwork, and meditation can yield significant benefits.
Join the Gentle Revolution
Thank you for tuning into this first episode. I kept it simple to introduce the core concepts. If you have questions or thoughts, please engage in the comments on YouTube or connect with me via social media. I also offer courses available at yogicmeditation.net or bambooyogabyron.com. I’m excited to embark on this journey with you.
Hari Aum,
Mark Purser