BREATHING TECHNIQUES

Breath has been widely used for centuries for faciltating a wide variety of objectives. Thriveapeutics began using breath in the very early days of Catalyst. In fact, Inspiration Breath and Expiration Breath were the fourth and fifth techniques in Catalyst and were part of the very first manual, which only consisted of 16 pages and five techniques. Breathing, therefore, was responsible for 40% of all the Catalyst techniques in those early days.

Since then, only three other techniques have emerged. One of them, Connecting Breath, has been a staple for decades and continues to play an important role within the entire body of work. The two "newest" additons, Releasing Breath and Stillness Breath for Stopping, round out the family of breathing techniques commonly used in Thriveapeutics. Of the five breathing techniques, Connecting Breath and Expiration Breath are better suited for being facilitated, meaning that they should only be used when a facilitator is present. The facilitator who is properly trained at spotting a participant in using those specific breathing techniques will offer guidance and suggestions as the session proceeds.

The other three techniques, Inspiration Breath, Releasing Breath, and Stillness Breath are good at-home practices. Facilitators can present these to participants as well. The key with all at-home practices that can be self-applied is staying within the parameters of optimization. As with many approaches in Thriveapeutics, ease is an important variable that must be considered. The statement, "If it's not easy, you're not doing it right," holds true regarding these three at-home practices. If they are not feeling incredibly supportive, rest assured, you are definitely not using them correctly. These breathing techniques are fantastic sources of support. Learn how to use them well. Timing matters. Use them only when they are supportive and leave them alone when they are not. That is one of the most important ways you use them well.