Qigong, Breath and Meditation practices
This weekend we presented on of many workshop of breathing along side our regular breathing meditation class
Abi Calderon guided a 2 hours workshop designed to awaken your body’s innate intelligence and harmonize your energy. Beginning with a relaxing breathwork and meditation practice to calm the mind and prepare the body for deeper states of awareness. Abi then guides us through a transformative sonic and Holotropic breathwork journey, using rhythm, sound, and the power of the breath to release tension, move stagnant energy, and restore balance.
To conclude we had a short closing meditation and integration practice to help you ground and embody the experience.
It was my first or maybe second time experiencing the depth and power of the Holotropic Breathwork and it was a journey “getting high on my own supply” as Wim Hof like to say.
So I share some more info about Holotropic Breathwork and the relationship with the Sound Meditation we are offering weekly at Qi - 26 west 8th Street,
Holotropic Breathwork uses music and sound in a structured way to guide the experience, creating a profound, cathartic journey. In contrast, sound meditation (or a sound bath) uses sound as the primary tool to induce a deep state of relaxation, often with the intent of achieving a meditative or contemplative state. The key difference lies in the intensity and purpose of the sonic element.
Feature Holotropic Breathwork Sound Meditation Primary Goal Induce an altered, non-ordinary state of consciousness to access deep subconscious material for emotional and spiritual healing.Create a deeply relaxed, meditative state to promote mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Use of Sound Evocative music is an active component that drives and supports the emotional and psychological journey. The playlist is carefully curated to have a distinct emotional and energetic arc. The soundscape, often using singing bowls, gongs, and chimes, is the central element used to create resonant vibrations that promote relaxation. Breathing Technique Involves intentional, rapid, deep breathing in a continuous, circular rhythm to shift consciousness. The vigorous breathing is the main catalyst for the experience. Typically involves passive breathing, where the participant simply observes their natural breath. Some sessions may include gentle breathwork as a preparatory warm-up.Level of ActivityAn active, immersive, and often intense process that encourages emotional and physical release, which can include vocalizations or body movements. A passive and receptive process where the participant lies still and lets the sound wash over them. Experience can involve a broad range of intense emotions, re-experiencing past trauma, or profound mystical and spiritual insights. The inner guide is trusted to bring up what needs to be processed. Focuses on calming the nervous system, reducing stress, and fostering a sense of peace. The experience is often restorative and gentle.
How they relate and complement each other
Though their techniques differ, both Holotropic Breathwork and sound meditation are based on the premise that sound and breath are powerful tools for healing and self-exploration. They can be seen as complementary practices.
Integrated approach: Some facilitators combine both modalities. A session might use active breathwork and dynamic music to bring deep material to the surface, and then transition to soothing sound bath instruments for grounding and integration.
Contrasting experiences: Sound meditation can be a gentle and nourishing tool for stress relief and daily practice. Holotropic Breathwork offers a powerful, cathartic experience for when deeper emotional or psychological work is needed.
Synergistic healing: Sound meditation is often used as a preparation or integration tool for breathwork. A gentle sound bath can help calm and center participants before an intense Holotropic session or provide a soothing transition back to ordinary consciousness afterwards.
At the Qi - Qi Gong Center we are working to bring our community a variety of practices and experiences which will expand ones awareness and the curiosity the explore and learn new practices.
We believe the community makes the space and the student makes the teacher
So come and enjoy life practices with the Love of Qi
