Body and Breath: Somatic movement plus Breathwork
What this class IS:
How to rediscover (or, let’s be real, maybe find for the first time) how pleasurable it can feel to reside within your body once you’ve shaken it all out and have settled back into your center. Because we all have a sovereign right to feel as good in our bodies as we can.
What you can expect:
In the beginning of the workshop we will check in and talk through the terrain of the class – both the somatic movement series and the breathing pattern and practice. After that, I will answer any questions you may have, and we will set up your mat. If you have ever done a Yoga Nidra or Yin class, the setup is similar in that we want to bolster you so you are completely at ease and as comfortable in your physical body as possible.
In the first section of the workshop, (Body), I guide you through an artfully curated somatic unwinding series designed to get your body engaged, your mind quiet, your energetic system expanded and your roots deeply connected to the earth. I’ll guide you through a series of movements birthed from my study of dance, Chi Nie Tsang and Neuromovement. The intention of this movement section of class is to move towards sensation which feels good in your body, without focus on how that movement looks. My cues are suggestions only. You do what feels right in your body, and if that means lying on your mat, or rolling side to side, or rocking on your heels…that is PERFECT.
The second part of the class, (Breath), involves the simple 3-part breathing technique, through which I will cue you to cycle throughout the session. When working with the breath in this conscious, connected way, relaxation increases, a sense of peace and ease can bloom, connection with your intuition becomes more possible, and a gentle state of expanded consciousness can be softened into. Breathwork also naturally increases parasympathetic tone, which cues your body to shift into a state of deep peace, calm, and rest. My Breathwork lineage is Conscious Connected Breathwork, as taught to me by my teacher Tai Hubbard of Sword and Lotus. This type of Breathwork is a contemporary form of active, conscious, and connected breathing that can help regulate and calm the nervous system, move stuck energy, ignite creativity, and connect to non-ordinary states of consciousness.
It is my great joy to pass along tools and ancient practices of self-healing that have been taught to me so that you are then free to access expanded states of consciousness, insight, and creativity, or to unwind tension patterns in your physical, mental, and emotional bodies from anywhere, anytime you like.
Note: you will be most comfortable if you have not eaten a heavy meal immediately before class. Please do not come to class hungry, but not uncomfortably full, either.
Please bring:
-An eye covering (sleep mask or simply a cloth or towel to cover your eyes)
-a yoga mat and a pillow if you know you need something under your knees when lying on the floor
-A journal and pen
-Any crystals or objects sacred to you that bring comfort or grounding
-Please dress in layers, and bring a cozy blanket as temperature shifts are common in a breathwork session.
-you will be lying on the floor on your mat, so anything that you need to make yourself most comfortable
FINALLY, I just have to say that I know each of us come to this practice with our own unique blend of life experiences and past trauma. We store so much in our bodies...and for me, this practice has been the missing piece in my own processing of that tissue-held trauma memory. If you have concerns, OR just want to speak to me about anything before our session - just reach out!
This form of Breathwork is not recommended for people who are pregnant, experience high blood pressure, have glaucoma, or those with bipolar syndrome or schizophrenia, dissociative disorders, active suicidal ideation, severe PTSD, or recent surgery or injury. Please reach out to me for a deeper conversation around these contraindications.
RELEASE, WAIVER OF LIABILITY, AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING, LIABILITY DISCLAIMER, AND COMMITMENT TO INDEMNITY
I, as a participant (herein referred to as “Participant”), acknowledge and comprehend that while partaking in discussions, mentorship, breathwork sessions, related videos, and audios (jointly referred to as “Sessions”) facilitated by Taylor Azar, LMT, ABMNMP (herein termed “Facilitator”), I accept the following terms:
DESCRIPTION & CLARIFICATION OF SERVICES.
I recognize that the Sessions overseen by the Facilitator aim to augment personal well-being and promote holistic health and well-being. These are not replacements for medical guidance or treatment. They should not be the primary source for diagnosing or treating health concerns, and the advice provided does not supersede the counsel of certified professionals.
HEALTH CAUTIONS & PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS.
I am aware that Sessions, including breathwork, involve intense breathing practices which might lead to profound experiences characterized by significant emotional and physical reactions. Such Sessions might be demanding for me, mentally, emotionally, or physically. I also recognize that specific health conditions might render these Sessions unsafe, such as a history of heart ailments, elevated blood pressure, taking prescribed anticoagulants like Coumadin, history of seizures, glaucoma, osteoporosis, severe asthma, bipolar conditions, schizophrenia, dissociative conditions, past traumatic experiences, and during pregnancy.
I confirm that I am not pregnant, and if any of the aforementioned conditions apply, I will inform the Facilitator prior to engagement. I comprehend that the Facilitator is not authorized to determine my suitability for these Sessions. I hold full accountability for consulting medical professionals regarding symptoms I might experience before or after the Sessions. I affirm my physical and mental capability to partake in these Sessions, and if post-Session, I feel mentally or emotionally disregulated, I acknowledge the onus is on me to consult professional assistance. I consciously forgo any potential claims against the Facilitator stemming from injuries or damages from these Sessions.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF POTENTIAL HAZARDS.
I understand and acknowledge the intrinsic risks linked with the Sessions I am engaging in. The Facilitator cannot negate or modify these inherent risks. Such “risks” might include, but aren't restricted to, unforeseen health issues, the lack of immediate medical help, complications from breathwork like excessive stress, psychological turmoil, hyperventilation, respiratory changes, muscle cramps, discomfort in the chest, numb sensations, heart-related events, and potential injuries caused by neglect from me or those around me.
I willingly accept the risk of potential harm, and consent to participate with full awareness of these hazards.
ASSURANCE OF PRIVACY.
I understand that, unless explicitly mentioned, the Sessions will not be recorded for promotional or any other purposes. Any information shared remains confidential. I understand that by willingly sharing personal data in group Sessions, privacy cannot be wholly ensured. Exceptions to this confidentiality arise in cases of immediate danger or if instances of abuse are detected.
UNDERSTANDING OF PRACTICES, GUARANTEES & RESULTS.
I am committed to being receptive to the Facilitator’s techniques and will engage in the Sessions as directed. I recognize that no assurances regarding the results of the Sessions have been provided.
LIABILITY RESTRICTIONS.
Upon engaging in and purchasing the Sessions overseen by Taylor Azar, LMT, ABMNMP, I acknowledge and accept any potential risks, whether apparent or unforeseen, that might emerge. I concur that the Facilitator will not bear liability for any consequential damages that may arise from my engagement in the Sessions or usage of provided resources.
INDEMNIFICATION CLAUSE.
By selecting options such as “I Accept,” “Purchase,” “Buy Now,” or any related action indicating agreement, and by providing my payment details, or by any means of enrollment, I, on behalf of my family, successors, and legal affiliates, pledge to consistently absolve, indemnify, and protect the Facilitator and associated parties against any claims, legal actions, or costs, including attorney fees, pertaining to the Sessions.
I willingly acknowledge all known and unknown risks, including those caused by the Facilitator or others, and accept full responsibility for my participation in the Sessions.