Breathwork 101: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and Why It Works
- Cathy Collins
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
Hi, friend. I'm so glad you're here.
If you're anything like I was when I started my breathwork journey, you might be wondering: What exactly is breathwork? Is it just deep breathing? Is it like meditation? Why does everyone talk about it like it changes their life?
You're not alone. And the truth is, those questions are exactly the right place to begin.
Let’s explore what breathwork really is, what it isn’t, and how you can start using it in your own life—even if you’re new to connecting with your body.
What Is Breathwork?
Breathwork is an umbrella term for conscious, intentional breathing practices used to regulate the nervous system, release stored emotions, support healing, and reconnect to your body’s natural wisdom.
That may sound fancy, but it can be incredibly simple. At its heart, breathwork is the act of using your breath to shift your inner state.
You can use breathwork to:
Calm anxiety
Boost energy
Release emotional tension
Connect with your intuition
Cultivate self-love and presence
I often tell clients: Your breath is the most powerful healing tool you already have.
What Breathwork Is NOT:
Let’s clear up some common misconceptions:
It’s not about "perfect breathing."
It’s not always done lying down in stillness.
It’s not woo-woo or exclusive to spiritual circles.
It doesn’t have to be long, hard, or intense.
You don’t have to force yourself to sit in silence.
In fact, when I first began this work, it was movement that helped me listen to my body’s signals. Sometimes I did breathwork walking through my neighborhood. Sometimes I swayed gently on the floor. Other times, I just put a hand on my heart and gave myself permission to breathe.
No rules. Just attention.
Getting Started: A Simple Daily Practice
Here’s a gentle, 5-minute breathwork practice you can try today. No special tools. Just you and your breath.
The Inner Nature Grounding Breath:
Find a position that feels safe. This can be lying on your back, sitting in a cozy chair, or even standing and swaying slightly. Give yourself permission to move or adjust.
Place one hand on your chest and one on your belly. Feel your body beneath your hands. No need to change anything.
Inhale gently through your nose for a count of 4. Feel your belly rise.
Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of 6. Let your body soften.
Repeat for 5 rounds. Let each breath become a little softer, a little slower.
Notice how you feel. Do you feel more grounded? Peaceful? Maybe a little more here?
Bonus: Try adding soft music, aromatherapy, or one of your favorite grounding crystals to enhance the experience.
A Note from My Journey
When I first found breathwork, it was during the early days of the Covid pandemic. I was feeling lost, disconnected, and deeply alone. The world had gone quiet, but inside my mind, everything was loud—anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty. I was grieving the loss of rhythm, of routine, and of connection.
It was in those quiet, painful moments that I turned to my breath. At first, it was just a way to feel something steady. Then, over time, it became my anchor. It taught me how to listen to my body again—to find safety within myself even when everything outside felt uncertain.
Now, breathwork is part of my daily rhythm. It’s how I come home to myself. And I want the same for you.
Ready to Go Deeper?
If you're feeling called to explore more, I invite you to visit the Services page on my website where you'll find a variety of supportive offerings—private breathwork and somatic coaching sessions, Enneagram-based guidance, and tools to help you reconnect with your body and inner wisdom.
Whether you're new to this work or looking to deepen your existing practices, there’s something created with care just for you. From one-on-one sessions to integrative coaching for singles and couples, each offering is designed to help you return to your natural rhythm and feel more at home in your body.
You are so worthy of peace.
And your breath is ready when you are.
With love and breath,
Cathy
Inner Nature - Begin Within
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