Breathwork at Transformation
The Height and Breath of a Person: Breathwork's Doorway to the Self
Conscious Connected Breathwork with Infants
Breathwork Resources
The International Breathwork Foundation
Global Inspiration Conference - 1999
Spiral Dynamics: Breathwork and Social Evolution
Speech given by Jim Morningstar, Ph.D.
Books
& Tapes
by Jim Morningstar
by Jim Morningstar, Ph.D.
Rebirthing is a personal growth and self healing technique developed in the United States in the mid 70's and now practiced in many countries around the world. The rebirthing process involves: learning to breathe in such a way as to release physical tension in the body, clearing the mind of negative thoughts and limiting conclusions reached about past experience, and accepting the spiritual joy and light that result when illusions about ourselves are cleared away. On learning the technique, a rebirthee works in individual sessions with a rebirther who helps the rebirthee release fear and tension and integrate effortless breathing and new thinking into daily life. The rebirthing process is soon learned and practiced by the rebirthee individually and sometimes even shared with others.
I believe that everyone must discover his or her own rebirthing. Rebirthing does not help anyone. People help themselves, and many use rebirthing as an effective tool in their self-help process. Most people use rebirthing because its clarity and simplicity allow them to quickly get past the mind and open the doors of the heart. The power of rebirthing is that the simple act of freely breathing addresses itself directly to body, mind and spirit. As I breathe freely, body, mind and spirit blend into a single experience of simple unitary being - me. At my highest moments, I see no divisions. Rebirthing helps reinforce these moments into a more constant state.
One beauty of rebirthing is that its astounding results can be understood from many points of view, including the scientific, and they will fit together. The simplicity of rebirthing is that it needs no explanation to work, just a childlike faith in life itself. For spreading the universal love and light, for incorporating the transformation to living in your light body, rebirthing is one of the best tools I can recommend.
Transformations Incorporated provides trained rebirthers who are also credentialed psychotherapists.
Transformational Breathwork or Rebirthing is a healing and personal growth technique practiced worldwide. It is consistently used to release energy blockage in the body, clear negative thought and habit patterns and bring one into greater alignment with ones personal purpose. The staff of our Training Program is as experienced as any in this country. We have developed a breathwork style that is simple, effective, easily learned and adapted to individual needs. We offer training for those who want to learn and apply the process to their needs through individual and group sessions and weekend trainings.
We give professional training to those wanting to integrate breathwork into their service. Beginning to advanced courses are provided leading to four levels of certification. Breathwork has been successfully adapted to a wide variety of healing and growth settings, such as massage therapy, physical and occupational therapy, counseling and psychotherapy and energy healing. You are invited to explore training options with us.
The
Height and Breath of a Person:
Breathwork's Doorway to the Self
by Jim Morningstar, Ph.D.
Ancient Tradition has it that God created man by breathing
life into mud. Many men today are rediscovering this primal creative and
in so doing opening the door to an astounding experience of Self. Breathwork
not only opens this door but also becomes a self-guided tool for daily
centering and creativity.
Measuring ourselves and our worth by external standards is what
has led to competitive and shame based egos. Honoring and experiencing
our connection to the Spirit of Breath within is the great equalizer,
the leveler of egos and the birth of new life based on our essential Self.
The entrance to this life of heightened awareness is literally
right under our nose - our breath. It is so simple as to be easily dismissed.
But the most profound is the most simple - not necessarily the most easy.
Forms of breathwork have been with us probably since breathing was invented.
Various forms of yoga have used breath awareness and mastery for thousands
of years. It was a rediscovery and a popularization of new breathwork
techniques in the 1970's (known as rebirthing) by Leonard Orr that has
ignited a fire that is spreading around the globe at an astonishing rate.
A breathwork session typically involves approximately an hour of
concentrated connected breathing that works on the levels of body, mind
and spirit.
Body:
Learning how to sustain a relaxed yet full breathing rhythm
through whatever tension that arises in the body is a precious gift. Chronic
holding patterns in muscle as well as connective tissue can be released
without exterior manipulation. Once this is learned, a life-long method
of tension relief is attained. This is an art form and not a mechanical
process. One must sense the right breathing pattern for the appropriate
circumstances. Like any skill, it develops with practice.
Mind:
More than an aerobic exercise, breathwork helps us discover the
deep-seated negative beliefs behind holding patterns. This allows us to
change the thought patterns that tend to recreate the chronic tensions.
Sooner or later by giving the old messages and instructions to the body,
we produce the same defensive reactivity. Permanent change takes more
than just experiencing one time relief. It takes insight into a new way
of seeing myself and my life and developing the self-talk to sustain it.
The affirmations that come from working with a breathworker are not generic
aphorisms for a good life.
They are individually developed tools for the reconstruction of
a new consciousness. Along with the continued practice of the breathing
technique, the affirmations provide a daily reinforcement of a new level
of enjoyment in life.
Spirit:
Breathwork's underlying philosophy is that the key to new life
is accepting total responsibility for union with your Self or oneness
with the Divine Spirit. This means a willingness to go beyond our small
self and letting our breath be our guide and friend en route. This is
not a process of speculation and philosophizing but rather of direct experience.
No one tells you your truth. You know it directly by virtue of your courage
to go past fears and self doubts. Others celebrate with you on your path
but do not control or interpret it for you.
Cycle of Breath:
A breathwork session often involves:
1) a beginning in which one experiments and discovers how to sustain a
connected full rhythm,
2) a middle period of building an energetic charge to a point of release,
and
3) an ending period during which the released energy is grounded and suggestions
for application are integrated.
Breath and Energy Releases:
Holding patterns in our breath mechanism frequently date back
to our very birth. Many men have actual memories of their birth and the
fear that generated their holding. But this memory is not necessary to
the release process. There is a distinct difference in the ease and pleasure
of the breath after the moment of breath release. This is most often followed
by an energy release felt throughout the body. The physical sensations
of this vary with individuals and relate to dissolution of our chronic
areas of suppression.
Completion:
Most people work through a series of five to ten sessions with
a breath coach or breathworker to gain the confidence to continue the
practice on their own. This practice involves a heightened awareness of
the breath as a moment by moment barometer of our conscious states. The
practice is furthered by occasional formal sessions done alone, with a
friend or a breathworker. This does not guarantee permanent bliss but
gives me direct access to a "powerful medicine" for the altering
of stuck energies - physical, mental and spiritual. More and more I experience
the truth that all that I need is inside me.
Resources:
The International Breathwork Foundation is a central source
for information on breathwork centers worldwide as well as research and
literature in several languages. Groups, seminars, books and tapes are
available to reinforce the skills. These are many and varied.
I am the US coordinator for the IBF and in process of collating
a national breathwork directory. Training for breathworkers is also available
through many centers. Professionals and non-professionals have used the
trainings to enhance their healing skills. Some of the disciplines incorporating
breathwork include psychotherapists, occupational and physical therapists,
nurses, physicians, dentists, massage therapists and other body and energy
workers.
The uniqueness of this skill is that its origins are grassroots
and always seem to defy sole ownership or patenting. Its principles can
be adapted to virtually any healing or growth medium.
Breathwork transformed my life twenty years ago and continues to
be my major vehicle for self-discovering and growth. People from all over
the planet are finding this new way to measure their growth - not against
externally imposed standards, but with a tool that enlarges their experience
to their higher Self - indeed to an experience of themselves beyond measure.
Conscious Connected Breathwork With Infants
by Regi Boehme, Occupational Therapist,
Transformations Inc. Breathwork Facilitator and Trainer
As a specialist in the treatment of infants and young children with motor challenges due to birth trauma, I first began my journey of breathwork with children in hopes of assisting them in moving blocked energy stored in their physical bodies. The result of the work proved to be very worthwhile to them on a physical as well as an emotional level. In addition, I noticed that their physical releases seem to mirror the movements of fetal development and the actual birth process itself.
Over the years, I have expanded my practice to include breathwork with healthy full term infants who had poor sleeping patterns, general fussiness, early stranger anxiety and problems with digestion or elimination. Once again, it seemed to help. As an additional bonus, it served to increase parent/child bonding.
The environment used for rebirthing babies is water set at "womb" temperature. I work with babies early, between ages of one to six months before they begin crawling and prefer to explore their environment rather than float in it. Both parents are invited to join me in the water. The breathwork starts with simply supporting the baby in a way that feels secure enough for relaxed floating. The head is held slightly about water level to clear the ears, so the baby can hear the loving support of the parents.
Each baby leads its' own session. My role as a breathworker is to stay in tune with the baby's physical signals, breathing patterns, facial expressions and sound productions. Another important role is to maintain a relaxed breath cycle myself as I follow the movements of the baby.
There is great variation in what babies appear to experience. At times, they seem to enter into a state of bliss similar to the small fetus during the first trimester of life. The baby's breath is almost inaudible, the body is motionless and very light. At this time, I focus on aligning myself with the baby's internal relaxed state.
Some babies need to push with their legs, just as they pushed against the inner membrane of the uterus during the second trimester. This is a significant time for the baby and the mother, since it is the first time the expectant mother feels the fetus move and it is the first time the fetus makes contact with external sensation of the womb.
Portions of the breathwork session have a component of the early period of the last trimester where the activity level of the fetus is at its' peak. When a baby is mirroring this phase, it displays enjoyable, high energy, physical movements, pleasurable high-pitched sound play, with an irregular and rapid breathing pattern.
The core work of any session or series of sessions is the experience of birth, itself. The baby will return to the fetal position often with great hesitancy. The breath becomes more rapid with short periods of breath suspension. The facial expression may change to one of anticipation or even a worry. I am very respectful of the baby's process and offer verbal reassurance at this time. I let the baby determine how much of the fetal position it can tolerate.
The actual experience of moving through the small birth canal is mirrored by the baby's desire to push and elongate or arch the spine. Again, there are repeated periods of hesitation before the baby strongly pushes out of the fetal position. I provide a relaxed, safe atmosphere for this final stage of the birth process, giving the baby ample time and choice. Parents have reported that after a session, they feel as if they are bringing their new baby home all over again.
Breathwork with babies is a powerful experience for both the rebirther and the parents. With each baby, I experience the miracle of birth and the renewal of my own life force.
For information on trainings offered to Level 1 Breathworkers or breathwork sessions for all ages, call (414) 354-1233
Breathwork
Resources
Begg, Deike (1999).
Freedom from Your Past. UK: Thorsons.
Dowling, Catherine (2000). Rebirthing and Breathwork. London: Judy Piatkus Limited.
Fried, Robert (1999). Breathe Well, Be Well. NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Hendricks, Gay (1995). Conscious Breathing: Breathwork for Health, Stress Release and Personal Mastery. NY: Bantam Books.
Herman, Sonya (1980). The Miracle of Breath, Thought and Love. California: Assertive Training Institute.
Jones, Eve (1982). An Introduction to Rebirthing for Health Professionals. Los Angeles, CA: Life Unlimited Books.
Leonard, Jim, and Laut, Phil (1983). Rebirthing: the Science of Enjoying All of Your Life. California: Trinity Publications.
Lewis, Dennis (1997). The Tao of Natural Breathing. CA: Mountain Wind Publishing.
Mandel, Bob, and Ray, Sondra
(1987). Birth and Relationships. California: Celestial Arts.
Manne, Joy (1983). Soul Therapy. CA: North Atlantic Books.
Minett, Gunnel (1994). Breath and Spirit. London: The Auarian Press.
Morningstar, Jim (1994). Breathing in Light and Love,Your Call to Breath and Body Mastery. Wisconsin: Transformations Incorporated.
Morningstar, Jim (1984). Family Awakening, in Body, Mind and Spirit. Wiscon sin: Transformations Incorporated.
Morningstar, Jim (1980). Spiritual Psychology: A New Age Course for Body, Mind & Spirit. Wisconsin: Transformations Incorporated.
Orr, Leonard (1986). Breath Awareness. California: Inspiration University.
Orr, Leonard, and Ray, Sondra (1987). Rebirthing in the New Age. California: Celestial Arts.
Ray, Sondra (1983). Celebration of Breath. California: Celestial Arts.
Ray, Sondra (1992). Loving Relationships II. California: Celestial Arts.
Sisson, Colin P (1989). Breath of Life. Auckland: Total Press Ltd.
Sisson, Colin P (1987). Rebirthing Made Easy. California: Hayhouse.
Taylor, Kylea (1994). The Breathwork Experience: Exploration and Healing in Non-ordinary States of Consciousness. CA: Hanford Mead.
Resource websites:
www.bobmandel.com
The International Breathwork Foundation (IBF) is an international movement of breath and spirit. You can directly participate in a planetary healing and unification process with like-spirited souls from countries around the world.
Membership in the IBF will give you:
- IBF Newsletter, four issues a year.
- Breathe magazine, four issues a year
- IBF Directory, on line directory with your personal
or business listing.
- At the Global Inspiration Conference, exemption from administrative fees.
You do not have to be a breath worker to join.
The IBF is for all supporters of free breathing and planetary inspiration.
The IBF Newsletter will let you know why the Swedish government allocated $100,000 for the training of breath workers, how breathwork became a Registered Alternative Heath Care practice in England, when drug and alcohol abusers are referred for rebirthing in Australia, etc... Breathe magazine will present you with articles and developments in breathwork around the world, and listings of global events.
The IBF Directory will put you in touch and even online with a global network of healers, healing centers, and healing information. Allow your intentions to be shared with the world.
The Global Inspiration Conference is an annual gala celebration and energy exchange held in gorgeous locations around the globe, a chance to recreate and grow in your highest. You can join the IBF by US mail, or online.
For US mail registration, send include your name, address, phone, fax, and e-mail numbers, a brief description of your work, your check for $100, payable to Transformations Incorporated-IBF, to:
Jim Morningtar, USA National Coordinator
Transformations Incorporated
4200 West Good Hope Road
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53209-2250
IBF Guidelines for the Training of Breathworkers
1. The training includes at least 25 days in different modules over a period of 1 year.
2. The training is led by more than one trainer and/or guest trainers.
3. There is 1 assistant for every 5 participants.
4. There are support groups or "buddy" systems where exchange of sessions take place in between modules.
5. Participants who want to work as professionals take 3 people through 10 sessions under supervision in order to complete their training.
6. There is a well-planned program for the training and its purpose is clear.
7. The program has a holistic perspective and acknowledges other methods of healing including conventional medicine and psychotherapy.
8. The participants receive the IBF Guidelines for breathworkers.
9. A list of recommended books and tapes is given to the participants.
10. The training includes breathing in hot and cold water.
11. At the end of the training an evaluation form is given to the participants and their thoughts and feelings are discussed openly.
Practical Guidelines for Breathwork Sessions
- Willingness to offer free initial interview
- Establish a clear contract with clients regarding number and duration of sessions and financial terms.
- Take a case history of a new client with attention to medical and psychological conditions.
- We do not offer guarantees of healing.
- Establish clear practitioner-client boundaries.
- Be aware of professional limits and of the choice to refer/refuse a client.
- Experience the difference between the effects of nose and mouth breathing.
- Regular practice of conscious breathing on your own.
- Wide experience of the different types of breathing and their effects.
- Identify personal birth process, family patterns, inherited attitudes, and specific negative thoughts.
- Accept your weaknesses and be willing to acknowledge your addictions.
- On-going commitment to professional development.
- Awareness of the evolution of consciousness and the regeneration of the body.
- Maintain a sense of balance between rational and intuitive.
- Remember your original motivation for becoming a breathworker.
- Reverence for your work.
- Recognize the value of networking and spiritual community.
Global Inspiration Conference - 1999
Spiral Dynamics: Breathwork and Social Evolution
Speech given by Jim Morningstar, Ph. D.
Click the link below to download and view the entire presentation given by Jim Morningstar in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.
Download Acrobat PDF file for Spiral Dynamics: Breathwork and Social Evolution.
