Narrative Breathwork
Feeling stressed? Stuck? Seeking ideas?
Narrative Breathwork is a technique that combines your body's two most powerful tools — your breath and your imagination — to release stress and listen to a story that your mind has been meaning to tell you. Think of it as a stethoscope for your subconscious.
Using my background as a writer and producer (mostly notably, as creator of the personal storytelling project, Mortified), I developed Narrative Breathwork as a way to help people gain connection or clarity by tapping into the transformative power of storytelling. Each session blends music, somatic breathing techniques, and story prompts to create something soothing, safe, and surprising.
This Is An Awesome Tool For
Stress and anxiety relief
Emotional release
Sparking creativity
Challenging a need to control
Illuminating goals
Personal reflection
What Participants Have Said
“Through the practice of breathwork, David has the ability to reach what is truly essential. He cares deeply and his approach is gentle, respectful and attentive. During the sessions with him, I have been able to realize and work through some deep truths about myself. Ultimately working with David has changed my life for the better. I am deeply grateful to him.Through the practice of breathwork, David has the ability to reach what is truly essential. He cares deeply and his approach is gentle, respectful and attentive. During the sessions with him, I have been able to realize and work through some deep truths about myself. Ultimately working with David has changed my life for the better. I am deeply grateful to him.”
— Therese, Photographer
“I was blown away by the way our retreat participants responded to this workshop. Several came up to me afterwards and told me that hour changed their lives and many listed it in the surveys afterwards as their favorite part of the entire weekend, which was packed with activities. The breathwork, combined with Dave’s natural charm, made the nearly impossible happen: our guests were able to unearth incredibly difficult memories and experiences, and they told me about it while smiling.”
— Anna, Entrepreneur
“Breathwork with Dave is truly unique, emotional and transformative. Every session is personal and tailored to what you are looking for in your experience. I’ve done many mediation classes, but what’s different about Dave’s approach, is that he allows you to see your own personal story. Combining his thoughtfully curated soundtracks with his soothing breathwork technique, I was able to sit back, relax and watch the movie of my life! From this perspective, I was able to see things that I had forgotten and even learned things I never knew about myself. These sessions are perfect for anyone on their healing journey, for pure relaxation, or even just for fun! In each session, he guides you on an epic, adventure into your life and memories, where you are the hero of your story.”
— Laurie, Writer
“My breathwork session with David was not only relaxing and creatively satisfying, but it allowed me to have an epiphany about my life that I will not forget. It gave me some inspiring insights that have really helped me long term.”
— Michael, Producer
Frequently Asked Questions
What You’ll Need
😴 Something to lie upon (ie, yoga mat; blanket)
📔 Notepad & pen (you will be journaling)
💧 Water to hydrate yourself after.
☁️ Pillow (not for your head, for optional shouting; nope, not joking)
🎧 Wireless headphones OR a good speaker. (If doing a session online, I prefer you avoid using the loudspeaker of your phone for this.) *
🔒 Private room (no housemates interrupting you) *
🕝 The first session will last 90 min. Later sessions are 60-70.
(*) = applies to remote sessions
-
That depends. Breathwork is a broad term that means radically different things to different people (yogis, singers, athletes, meditators). My approach is usually a slight variation on "three-part breathing" techniques (sometimes called "ecstatic breath") combined with prompts for self-reflection.
-
For groups, sessions tend to be 90 min total. For individuals, the first one is 90, latter sessions are 60. The breath exercise portion is about 30 min.
-
Sessions involve a mix of journal prompts, a breathing exercise, and relaxation. Sessions start with discussion (what to expect, your safety, a demonstration). During the breathing exercises, you are lying down.. For most people, this is calming, imaginative and peaceful — you might even fall asleep. For others, it can be emotional, inspiring, and even challenging. Keep in mind, breathwork is work.
-
-
I design my sessions with your well-being in mind. That said, I am a facilitator, not a medical professional, therapist, or healer. This practice involves sustained, rhythmic breathing patterns, usually for 30 min.
This activity is not ideal for pregnant women, epileptics, children, or those with severe respiratory issues. If you have concerns, please consult your doctor before participating. Do not participate if in an altered state. Some participants may experience a temporary tingling sensation known as tetany (similar to when your foot falls asleep). If you find anything unpleasant or too intense during a session, rest assured, you're always in control and able to resume normal breathing.
-
I have been facilitating for a decade. I received certification in 2017 from David Elliot’s breathwork program upon completing 64 hours of training. In addition, I have taken courses from Oxygen Advantage, Breathwork Masterclass, and attended James Nestor's educational Breath Retreat.