My best advice for preparing your session
1. Clear intentions
They may be very clear to you, or simply a sensation in your body when you signed up for the session, or perhaps you would describe them in another way, without words. In any case, it can be very enriching for your session to write down your intentions before coming.
If you find the exercise difficult, you can answer some or all of the following questions: what do I want most right now in my life, and why am I not there already? What are my biggest blocks at the moment? What am I afraid of in taking part in this session? What do I need in my life? What do I want to free myself from? What are my greatest strengths? And my biggest open questions?
You can write a summary of your answers as a short positive affirmation for your session: « I invite… into my life », « I free myself from… », or « I transform… into… » are examples of formulations that give clear intentions to your subconscious for the session.
2. Expectations and letting go
That said, I genuinely invite you — and I repeat it in the introduction to every session I lead — it is good to have clear intentions before the session… all the better to let them go before you start. Your session can take a form, and bring you sensations and emotions, that your mind did not see coming. This is normal, and even a good sign: it means the breathing work is taking effect and that your mind has temporarily let go of your experience, opening the door to welcome changes. So take a deep breath… and be open to the unknown and the unexpected when you begin.
3. Don't eat too much right before
- Ideally, no large meals less than 2 hours before the session.
- If you breathe in the morning, I advise postponing breakfast until after the session.
- Test and see what is right for you — everyone is a little different. But it is harder to move into a heightened state of consciousness if your stomach is overloaded and part of your energy is dedicated to digestion, knowing that up to around 40% of your immediate energy can go into that.
- You may however want to prepare a snack in advance for after your session.
4. Choosing and preparing the space
- It is generally best to do the session lying on a yoga mat on the floor, on your couch or on your bed.
- If you're lying down, make sure you have enough space around you to move without bumping into anything, especially around your head.
- Reduce the light if possible and close curtains or blinds.
- I do not recommend using candles, for safety reasons.
- Bear in mind that you may want to sing, make various noises, cry, or release emotionally by screaming. Does your space allow you to do that freely?
5. Get comfortable
Prioritise comfort by wearing loose-fitting clothing, in layers that are easy to put on and take off.
6. Sound matters
- To ensure good immersion during the practice, it is important to be able to listen to the music with good sound quality, and loud enough.
- Over-ear headphones are ideal; in-ear headphones also work. If you have a computer with good sound and the neighbours are unlikely to be bothered, that is also an option.
- If you use your smartphone, good headphones or quality bluetooth earbuds will be necessary to get sufficient sound quality.
- Make sure your laptop or smartphone is fully charged or plugged in to last the entire session.
7. A good connection
- With a weak connection, your experience may be hampered by dropouts or interference, which reduces the quality of your immersion.
- The better the internet connection, the better the sound quality will be.
- If you plan to use a smartphone, be sure to install the video-conferencing app before the session.
- If you share your internet access with other people and bandwidth is limited, ask them to limit network use (streaming in particular) during your journey, so you have the maximum bandwidth available.
8. « Do not disturb »
- Turn off your phone, put a « do not disturb » sign on your door if other people are in the house.
- Coordinate with family, housemates and others to ensure an uninterrupted space where you won't disturb them and they won't disturb you. If you have close neighbours, you can warn them that you might make a little noise.
9. Eye mask
It is recommended to use a sleeping mask to ensure better immersion during your experience. Closing your eyes may be enough if you don't have one. If you practise breathwork regularly, any comfortable band will do.
10. No consciousness-altering substances
Consuming substances that alter the state of consciousness (alcohol and other « drugs », even natural ones) is definitely not recommended before or during the Transformational Breathwork experience.
Part of the work consists of experiencing an expanded state of consciousness without the assistance of any exogenous substance, in order to grow confidence in the self-healing and self-regulating mechanisms of your own body.
One of the values I stand for through this practice is autonomy: I firmly believe that our body holds a wisdom and a power that are generally ignored, and that we can mobilise them through the various conscious breathing practices.
11. To keep close to you
- A small bottle of water (in case your mouth gets dry)
- Paper tissues
- A blanket and a soft pillow (to scream into)
- Possibly a bowl or small basin, to be able to spit if needed
- Your favourite notebook and a pen, to take notes at the end of your experience
- Any object that helps you feel safe and anchored in the present space (soft toy, stone, amulet…)