DOES ONE – OR SEVERAL—OF THESE SOUND FAMILIAR?
- I just want to take a really deep breath.
- I feel can’t get enough air – there is a tightness in my chest.
- I want to learn to be in the now.
- There are moments I have to hold back tears.
- I feel constantly overwhelmed.
- I feel stuck.
- I can’t slow down; it’s so hard to sit still though I’m tired.
- I want to learn to be “in my body.”
THE BREATHING CLASS IS ACTIVE MEDITATION.
Active meditation is dynamic. It requires forceful breathing and determination. Though you are sitting or lying down, requires that you push yourself just like you do at the gym. The rule in active meditation is that you get out of it as much as you put in.
HOW IS IT DIFFERENT THAN “REGULAR” MEDITATION?
In more standard meditation you try to clear your mind of any thoughts and be as still as possible. In active meditation you focus actively, just like you would in a sport, pushing yourself to breathe in a very dynamic way.
THE BREATHING CLASS HAS PHYSICAL BENEFITS.
The breathing class is a lung workout. It exercises your diaphragm, intercostals muscles and if practiced regularly can positively affect your lung capacity and velocity (the two factors considered when looking at “lung age”). Increased blood flow to the brain and body have significant physical impact on your wellbeing. Moving more oxygen through your brain and body has a host of health benefits.
THE BREATHING CLASS PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS.
Active meditation has psychological benefits that are a great addition to therapy. Because of the increased oxygen flow and intense relaxation that automatically happens to your body afterwards, active meditation helps you “let go” of feelings of anger and sadness – feel “unstuck” mentally. If you challenge yourself to let go (just like you might with a chiropractor or sports massage therapist who is trying to do go “deeper) and ask yourself hard personal questions during the practice, prioritizing, clarity and strength are things you will get in exchange.
Active meditation has many of the benefits of hypnosis or a sweat lodge. The beauty of it is that the instructions and steps are simple and straightforward. You have no preparation to do, no homework afterward.
After class, you can expect to feel “lighter,” and have clarity of thought. You will feel more relaxed and free of stress.
ACTIVE MEDITATION AND BREATHING IS AN EXCELLENT ADDITION TO TALK THERAPY, YOGA OR PRAYER.
The breathing done in active meditation is a spiritual lifestyle practice that is not religious. While sessions might include vocabulary such as “energy,” “body-mind” connection or “light,” it does not require understanding or belief in anything other than the possibility to heal and relieve stress through meditation.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A short lecture on anatomy, psychology and spirituality, followed by the active meditation breathing practice, and time to ask questions afterwards. No need to bring anything with you, yoga mats, blankets and towels provided. Wear comfortable clothes. Try not to eat a large meal beforehand. Please do not wear heavy perfume or cologne.
Please remove your shoes when you arrive and use a quiet voice since there are other practitioners working in nearby offices.
Your registration is transferable to someone else on the same day, but not to another day. You may request discounts for groups or several class packs. Scholarships for those under financial duress available.
It is essential that you arrive on time. If you have an emergency please text 646-250-6390 before class starts.
Dr. Belisa is always available through phone and email for any concerns that might arise between sessions related to the meditation, stress, mental health or any psychological/emotional wellbeing.
