In this episode, we chat with Ben Bidwell, a Human Potential Coach who has spent the last decade immersing himself in human behavioral education. His expertise spans neuro-linguistic programming, coaching, meditation, and breathwork.
Ben has guided thousands of clients through life-changing transformations, using breathwork to encourage reflection and help them reconnect with their purpose, fulfillment, and joy.
In our conversation, Ben shares his journey toward emotional intelligence and how breathwork helped him open up to his emotions. He explains how the breath can calm the mind, fostering a non-judgmental connection to our feelings.
We discuss how to cultivate conscious breathing, blending meditation with simple breathing techniques, and how these practices can help clear our minds and ground us.
By the end of this episode, you'll learn breathing techniques to calm your mind and reconnect with your emotions.
Breathwork and Emotional Intelligence
- Ben discusses his journey towards emotional intelligence and the role of breathwork in reconnecting with emotions.
- Breathwork facilitates a deeper understanding of emotions by creating a calm state conducive to emotional exploration.
- Conscious connected breathwork quiets the mind, reducing judgmental thoughts and allowing individuals to express emotions without judgment.
- Breathwork can help reduce stress and anxiety by signaling to the body that there is no danger.
- Breathwork can be a powerful tool for personal growth and healing, but it can also be intense and emotionally challenging, so it's important to be guided, especially if you have any underlying mental or physical health conditions.
Get to know about:Breathing Techniques for Panic Attacks: A Guide to Relief and Resilience
Emotional Intelligence and Compassion
- Emotional intelligence helps us connect with others on a deeper level by understanding their emotions and experiences.
- When we understand the emotions behind someone's behavior, we are less likely to judge them and more likely to feel compassion.
Breathwork Techniques
There are many different breathwork techniques, and the best one for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Some simple breathwork techniques that you can try at home include:
- Breathing into the stomach
- Breathing through the nose
- Breathing slowly
- Expanding your ribs rather than your chest
- Not lifting your shoulders as you breathe
If you are new to breathwork, it is important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your sessions over time.
Ben Bidwell's Approach
- Ben Bidwell believes in listening to the universe and being guided by external signals to determine his areas of growth and expertise.
- He emphasizes the importance of aligning with what people seek from him and focusing on those areas rather than pursuing topics he's not passionate about.
- Ben highlights the significance of emotional intelligence and how his calm voice attracts individuals seeking support in developing this skill.
- He recommends two breathing practices: the 4-7-8 breath for calming and grounding, and a shorter, sharper inhale-exhale for energizing the body.
Also read:Box Breathing (4-4-4-4) vs. 4-7-8 Breathing: Which Should You Choose?