Tag Archives: inflated

Something happened in Morocco . . . and the echoes are still being felt a month later !

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21022_10152742799425459_604625378_nby psychotherapist Suzanna Brown.

When I saw David post about the Moroccan retreat in Autumn last year, I knew I had to go. I have always wanted to go to Marrakech and I was aware that it held a special place in David’s heart, so I thought he would be the ultimate host.

That, together with the idea of a breathwork retreat at the beginning of the year, felt like the perfect way to start 2015. I felt it would clear out the old energy of 2014 and help me start the new year on the right note. And I wasn’t wrong . . . 

10373851_10205416773077232_2495452012648263397_nUnfortunately prior to the trip I had awful mega flu, so when I arrived I was feeling pretty out of sorts. From the off, I felt incredibly held and nurtured by the lovely Meleeshka, who co-facilitated the retreat with David. Here they are with the gifts we bought them to end the Course.

Under my recent illness was a general fatigue and tiredness after quite a tough couple of years…and after the first couple of breathes I really connected with that. I felt the grief of losing my parents move through me again and my body’s strong call to be nurtured and listened to.

Thankfully there was an excellent spa at the hotel for private out of course bodywork, but a detoxing healing hammam for all in the first 2 days was included in the course fee. Naturally I felt it necessary to attend the spa for massages and general pampering as much as possible for the remainder of the week. Well, I had to heed the body’s call! 

The highlight of the week for me in terms of breathing was an eye gaze breathe that we did with a partner. I still find it hard to put this into words . . . but it was something of a peak experience.

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I have undertaken breathwork before in the US and also in a small group with David, but I have never experienced something so powerful. As well as being an extremely enjoyable experience for myself and my partner, it went far beyond that to have a much deeper meaning for me personally. This has been worth it’s weight in gold.

I also have to mention the people I met. All of whom were wonderful in their own way…and some of whom have become friends. There was a lot of deep work that went on during the week, but also a lot of love and laughter in the group. So I salute my fellow travellers and the wonderful assistants, who all contributed to making the experience really unforgettable. Thank you.

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Last but not least, as a psychotherapist, a word of warning about the power of breathwork and it’s effects.

The retreat is powerful stuff and working with the body can bring to light unresolved issues that need to be worked through. Whilst I cannot fault the amazing way the retreat was facilitated by David and Meleeshka, who I felt were the perfect team, it can be difficult to leave that environment and return home if lots of ‘stuff’ has come up for you. So please don’t underestimate the power of the breath…and do think about having some aftercare lined up for your return . . whether that be a full course of rebirthing sessions or a therapist that you can work through any issues with.

For me, the retreat has seen me commit to and implement changes in my nutrition, as well as getting back into exercise and yoga. I realised that my health is my true wealth and that nourishing my soul means a deep respect of my body and spirit. All that for a mere £300 5 day course fee and a fantastic experience in Morocco with a wonderful group of people.

It’s a no brainer really . . . just go!  

Suzanna Brown

Coming OUT of Shallow Breathing into FULL SPEED AHEAD

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1972351_261858887317309_799607384_nAs with many people who lie down to breathe for the first time, I was filled with a mix of scepticism and uncertainty about what was going to happen. Surely the simple act of breathing couldn’t bring about as strong a reaction as I had been promised? It was difficult not to feel a bit daft as I began to inhale deeply, taking in large amounts of oxygen, and then releasing only a third of my breath, leaving the remaining oxygen to flood my brain and body like water gradually filling a jug.

For about fifteen minutes I lay there, fighting against the urge to regulate my breathing which felt forced and unnatural. How was I going to last another three quarters of an hour breathing like this? Then something strange began to happen. It started slowly and then became more and more noticeable. A tingle in the finger-tips that spread up my arms and washed over my chest which somehow felt lighter and buoyed up, like a freshly inflated balloon. My breathing was also easier despite the fact I had not adjusted my rhythm. Was it actually happening to me; this strange and wonderful sensation that I had been told about but had doubted?

I lay there, excited for what was happening. Outside noises seemed to melt away and I was left completely inside my own body. It was as if my consciousness has retreated inside my brain, no longer aware of what existed beyond the shell of my own skin. It was dark and warm and felt safe. Occasionally, the darkness would be penetrated by a white light or a colour spectrum that seemed to whirl above me, forming shapes and even faces. It was a hugely multi-sensory experience that, when it was over, left me feeling calm and collected, as if I had slept particularly well and all my troubles seemed lessened thanks to how relaxed I found myself.

It was not until some time later, when I was given the chance to assist on someone else’s first breathe, that I was able to witness this ‘tipping point’ and observe how tangible it is. You can physically see the body’s initial resistance to the journey as it reacts against this strange way of breathing. Then as the time passes and breathing in this way becomes more natural and the body is flooded with oxygen and the consciousness begins to retreat in on itself, you can watch as the breather drifts off to a place where they are fully in touch with themselves – a place where you are able to get some perspective on your life and come back fresher and more able to tackle the crap life throws at you. And all from breathing – who’d have thought!

1002087_10152899205155371_2132921410_nWritten by Robert Beck.

https://urbanlifeclass.me/the-creative-collective/robert-beck/