Building community through breathwork in the Tri-Cities
What even is breathwork?
The first time I ever heard of breathwork, I admit I was a little bit confused. We already know how to breathe, it’s literally the first thing we learn as humans, right out the womb.
But being curious instead of judgmental, I kept an open mind and listened. And holy cannoli did I learn a lot.
As humans, yes, we naturally breathe without even thinking about it.
Have you ever been sitting at your desk, or in a meeting, or driving your car, and suddenly you find yourself taking a deep breath? Like your lungs needed a gulp of air instead of the shallow breaths you’re used to taking.
That’s why breathwork is so important. We are not getting enough air, deep in our lungs, to nourish our bodies the way they need to be.
Breathwork teaches us how to control our breathing in a way that helps ease tension, calm our nervous system, and release emotions. It’s a unique form of mindfulness that asks you to not only focus on your breathing, but actively change it. And it is incredibly powerful.
Breathwork in the Tri-Cities, WA
So when Carly Allred told me she was becoming a breathwork coach and asked me to take pictures of a class so she could start advertising her new service, I was an immediate yes.
Walking into the space, Carly created this gorgeous atmosphere. Candles (LED for safety in a small space), dim lighting, peaceful music playing in the background, her calm and welcoming energy and a warm smile as people walked in. I spent the next hour taking pictures of her and the group, and even though I wasn’t a part of it I still felt remarkably calm and relaxed at the end.
Yoga, sound bath, and floating breathwork
Fast forward 6 months and Carly was partnering with local yoga instructor Kiya Jackson for a whole event including a yoga practice, breathwork, and a floating sound bath ceremony. Yes, floating. In a pool. In October.
This event was even bigger than her first class. People filled up the area surrounding the pool. They laughed and hugged and greeted each other over the snack table. It started out with the yoga practice led by Kiya on solid ground. Then it transitioned into the breathwork portion. Those who opted into the floating part snuggled up into their floaties with blankets and pillows. Those who didn’t got comfy on the patio.
As the sun set and it grew dark, Carly led the group in a breathwork exercise. The crickets chirped and the air grew cool. It was beautiful to behold.
This event was so much fun, and such a great way to welcome fall. And it also showed me that as Carly is building her coaching business, she is also building community. The people in attendance at both of these events weren’t talking about surface level things. They were going deep, skipping the small talk, and truly connecting with one another.
What a wonderful community Carly is building.
