Workshops with Charles MacInerney
IN AUSTIN, TEXAS AND OTHER CITIES

THE SCIENCE OF BREATH I

The Breath I workshop approaches the yoga art called pranayama or breath control, from a Western, scientific perspective; gives participants a solid understanding of the power of their own breath; teaches them how to become more conscious of their breathing patterns; and teaches them how to begin to improve upon their basic respiratory habits.

Breathing is the most important function of your body that you can exercise control over, and thus impacts (for good or bad) the health of your body. Yet the majority of Westerners have very poor breathing habits, and most do not even realize it. This workshop will give you the opportunity to discover for yourself whether you have good breathing habits, and to improve your breathing and thus improve your overall physical, mental and emotional health. Learn specific breathing techniques that: reduce allergies; reduce risks of colds and flu; help control emotions; relax muscles; improve the health of the heart, lungs, & abdominal organs; purify the blood; rest the mind more effectively than sleep; expand lung capacity; balance energy flow throughout the body; and more.

Students who have taken this workshop often report life changing benefits, and several have even credited it with saving their lives. This workshop also serves to provide a solid foundation for further work in the Science of Breath II workshop. Please bring a heavy blanket to class, and wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Above is a mind map from the Science of Breath I workshop that outlines a three hour workshop on breathing. Participants are given a copy of this so that they can follow along and take notes on the mind-map. There is also a manual for this workshop that students are provided with.

This workshop is for those who have already taken the Breath I workshop and are comfortable with diaphragmatic breathing. Breath II approaches respiration from a more classical, Eastern approach, and examines the use of breath in meditation and from a spiritual perspective.

Basic diaphragmatic breathing from the Breath I workshop is reviewed, and then complete breathing is practiced. The second half of the workshop introduces students to a variety of more esoteric breathing exercises including the vacuum breath, breath of fire, alternate nostril breathing, cleansing breath, and more. Then participants enjoy a deep guided relaxation and they practice pattern breathing, and learn to use visualization to enhance their control and enjoyment of breath. The workshop closes with use of breath as a meditation, in conjunction with the So-Haun mantra, sometimes called the mantra of breath. Please bring a heavy blanket to class, and wear loose, comfortable clothing.

AUDIENCE EVALUATIONS

Presentation at SEMATECH

"We needed this! Best experience I've had in the Sematech boardroom!"

"Charles was great as usual!!!"

"Very good presentation - I was completely engulfed."

"I loved it. Very beneficial and something I will use!"

"Good choice - need more of this at Sematech."

"Thank you very much for being a positive force in the universe."

"Thank you - this was a very effective reminder that the most efficient and most pleasant stress relievers cost nothing more than attention."

"The opportunity to take this class was overwhelming. It is my joy to find that there are classes on breath. Keep up the good work. Thank you."

Presentation for The National Wellness Conference

"He's fabulous."

"Excellent. Keep him coming."

"Extremely useful information. Charles is a peach. In addition to leading this session, he was up at dawn to lead yoga classes as well as leading noon wellness workshops. He is kind, funny and he knows his stuff. A (yogic) breath of fresh air!"

"Charles, you are an excellent addition to our conference. Please do a major presentation!"

"Terrific presenter!"

"Outstanding and very informative. I couldn't have enjoyed it more!"

"Superb!"

"Fantastic! I really enjoyed this presentation. Great practical application along with the theory."

"He was great. I will be breathing differently soon!"

"Great job! Thank you for sharing your gift and knowledge with us!"

"Very inspiring - educational - fun - unified. Thank you!"

"Thanks for your positive energy & spirit!! You're great!!"

"Interesting & engaging speaker. Experiential component certainly reinforces learning!"