My Life-Changing Journey: Breathwork Training in India
The journey of becoming a breathwork facilitator is as much about self-discovery as it is about learning to guide others. My experience in India, training under Mike O’Mera in Celtic Breathwork, was nothing short of transformative. Over the course of four intensive weeks at the serene Shoonya Farm, I delved into the depths of Conscious Connected Breathwork (CCB) and emerged with not only skills but also a profound sense of purpose.
Why India?
The Cradle of Breathwork Wisdom
For years, I felt a deep pull toward India. Its rich traditions, spiritual teachings, and ancient practices have always fascinated me. My admiration for the teachings of Ram Dass played a big role in this connection. Ram Dass, originally a Harvard professor turned spiritual teacher, brought the essence of India’s wisdom to the West. His journey of self-discovery and his approach to mindfulness and love deeply inspired me to learn more about the traditions he spoke so passionately about.
India’s breathwork practices, like pranayama, have been a cornerstone of yogic philosophy for thousands of years. The word pranayama comes from prana (life force) and ayama (extension or control), representing the practice of harnessing and expanding this vital energy through the breath. These techniques offer tools to achieve health, balance, and spiritual awakening.
The training took place at Shoonya Farm, a serene oasis surrounded by nature. It wasn’t just the location that made it special—it was the way it allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the experience. We spent our days breathing, learning, and connecting in this sacred space.
The Four Levels of Breathwork Training
The course was divided into four levels, each building upon the other to nurture both personal growth and practical facilitation skills.
Level 1: The Rainbow Warrior Path
Our first week was dedicated to ourselves. Through two intense breathwork sessions daily, complemented by intuitive exercises, we uncovered and faced our inner blocks. This was a week of raw honesty, emotional breakthroughs, and rediscovering our intuition. By the end of the week, I felt like I had peeled back layers I didn’t even know existed. And that was just a week one.. 3 more to go, many more hours of breathing to go..
Level 2: The Facilitator Path
The second week was where the magic of facilitation began. We alternated between being the breather and the facilitator, practicing one-on-one sessions every day. It was incredible to witness how quickly we could hone our skills and adapt to different breathing styles and personalities. By changing partners daily, we gained invaluable experience in guiding a diverse range of people through breathwork.
Level 3: The Anatomy Path
In week three, we deepened our knowledge of the body. While anatomy was woven throughout the entire training, this week focused on fascia and muscle dynamics. Guided by Adam, we practiced hands-on techniques to support clients during breathwork sessions. We also facilitated group breathwork for the first time, inviting people new to the practice. This week helped solidify both the technical and practical sides of facilitation.
Level 4: The Ceremonial Path
Our final week celebrated the power of ritual and community. Rituals, deeply rooted in human history, are transformative practices that help mark transitions and ground us in meaning. Whether through symbolic acts, sacred spaces, or shared moments, rituals amplify intention and connection. Our journey culminated in a beautiful blessing ceremony, preparing us to share the power of breath with the world.
A Mosaic of Techniques and Self-Practice
While the training was centered on Conscious Connected Breathwork, we explored other complementary techniques, including:
Wim Hof Breathing: A powerful practice combining breath holds and controlled hyperventilation to boost energy, reduce stress, and improve resilience.
Pranayama: Various yogic breathing techniques that promote balance and connect the body and mind through controlled breathing patterns.
Osho Meditations: A blend of active breathing and dynamic movements designed to release stored emotions and foster inner stillness.
Down-Regulation Practices: Gentle breathing methods to calm the nervous system and promote relaxation, ideal for managing stress and anxiety.
The training didn’t stop when the course ended. Part of the program is a mandatory 40-day self-practice of Conscious Connected Breathwork. This daily practice reinforced everything we learned, ensuring the techniques became part of our lives—not just tools we used for others.
The Community of Celtic Breathwork Facilitators
One of the most beautiful aspects of this journey is the community I gained. Breathwork facilitators trained in Celtic Breathwork bring their unique flavor to the practice, shaped by their personalities and life experiences. Yet, what binds us is the high standard of practical skills and theoretical understanding instilled by Mike O’Mera’s training.
Despite being scattered across the globe, we remain connected. We continue to support each other, collaborate, and share insights from our individual paths. If you find yourself in any of these places in the world and feel the desire to breathe, seek out these amazing people:
Ireland - Anambeo
India - Kinetic Living, Sacredplay Breathwork, Breath Journeys, Upgrade with breath, Breath with Preeti
South Africa - Retreats in flow
Ibiza - Sacredenchantedliving
Germany - Breath with Meike
The Power of Breathwork
Breathwork is a lifelong journey, one that starts with the breath but expands into every facet of life. From the serene mornings at Shoonya Farm to the transformative ceremonies and practical sessions, my time in India showed me how powerful this practice can be—not only for myself but for those I guide.
If you’re seeking clarity or a deeper connection with yourself, I invite you to take that first conscious breath. It might just change your life, as it did mine.
