TheBreathWrx
Breathworks, Meditation, Wellness
Bio
Born and raised in the Midwest, Andrew is the oldest of four children from two loving parents. 32 years old, he grew up excelling in school and athletics. Academically, Andrew majored in neuroscience and psychology at Indiana University; Furthering his passion for understanding the inner workings of the human mind and its behavior. He has since worked in labs studying the brain, spent time in the ICU with dementia patients, and has also managed working as a behavioral therapist with children on the spectrum.
He has become specifically interested in how to go about healing wounds left in the psyche from past traumas without the use of western medicine; taking a more holistic approach to the hurt. Andrew was introduced to meditation and breathwork practices in 2016 and has been a certified breathworks practitioner since 2019 (under the tutelage of Jon Paul Crimi). These practices were pivotal in helping Andrew achieve sobriety and he has since dedicated his life to expanding the awareness of these practices to help heal any who seek it.
About
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+ What is breathworks?The type of breathing exercise we do is constituted of a 2-part inhale, followed by a 1-part exhale. We generally lay down on our backs and are use our mouths for both inhaling and exhaling. Sessions are also accompanied by music (different playlists with a wide genre variety). We usually breathe for about 20-25 minutes, and close with a 10-15 min rest period (in which we return to our normal breath).
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+ How does it work?What we are doing is more fully oxygenating all of the body's cells. The 2-breath inhale allows us to increase our O2 levels while simultaneously decreasing our CO2 levels. This kind of breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system which is responsible for the body relaxing. It also shuts down the sympathetic nervous system which is in charge of our fight-or-flight response. By breathing in this manner we are also able to tap into the primitive part of our brains known as the brain stem. We allow our bodies the access it needs to begin to self-heal.
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+ What does it feel like?Common physical effects include: tetany, tingly feelings in face/body, floating sensation, out of body sensation, and even "tripping" feelings have been reported. Emotionally you may feel all different types of things, there is no "wrong" feeling, whatever the body needs to express through emotion during the practice it will do (I've cried deeply and laughed to tears in the same session). Spiritually, it's not uncommon to see a bright light or feel a deep connection with the Divine. It has also been reported on multiple occasions of people who've felt the presence of loved ones who've passed.
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+ Is it like meditation?This type of breathing is considered a type of active meditation. Many people who find traditional meditation difficult, find this method much easier to focus and more instantly rewarding. As in all meditations, the mind will arise with thoughts in which we simply acknowledge and allow to dissipate. We do not judge ourselves during our practice. There is no wrong way to meditate, if you are trying to meditate you are doing it!
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+ Why do it?There are countless benefits to breathing exercises and meditation practices. A few of my favorites are: Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. Boosts immune system. Increases energy. Mental clarity.
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+ What is the role of the instructor?It is my duty to hold space for session. It is also my responsibility to ensure an environment in which all participants feel safe and secure. I also will guide lightly throughout the session, encouraging and helping you to find the right pace and depth of breath for you.
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+ What kinds of meditation do you instruct outside of breathworks?Although there are many different types of meditation, I focus on teaching mindfulness meditation, transcendental meditation, and loving-kindness meditation.
Mission
Now more than any other time in history, it is pivotal for us as individuals to incorporate a daily practice of self-care. Many different outside influences make life today full of pressing and constant stressors. I know first hand just how powerful working with the breath and the mind can be. Working to alleviate stress, anxiety and trauma, these practices can be very helpful in many different types of healing.
This work can be transformational to those who fully give themselves to the process. I've seen people heal parts of themselves they didn't know were scarred. Then There are those who are fully aware of their past traumas and have found this work very helpful in their ability to fully face and work through that part of their life.
It is my hope to introduce as many different people to this practice as I personally can. I fully believe in the power of the breath and the positive power of this work in daily life. My personal breathing and meditation practices have uncovered a new way of approaching the world I live in, and for that I am forever grateful.
Book A Session
Available by Zoom or outcall throughout Indianapolis, IN.
Phone: 317.384.6176
Email: andrewparsons2010@gmail.com
IG: @thebreathwrx_
Twitter: @thebreathwrx
