Breath, Breath, Breathe

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Breath, Breath, Breathe is a project designed to encourage self-awareness through the exploration of breath and consciousness, integrating themes of mimicked healing and mindful breathing. The core of the project invites participants to experience different 'untrained' yogic breathing techniques demonstrated by seven individuals, each asked to engage in a breathing exercise of their choice for approximately 90-seconds—the average time it takes for the body to process emotions. In this brief yet intentional practice, conscious breathing serves to highlight the role of emotional regulation and awareness. A key aspect of the project is the concept of 'mimicked breathing'—the unconscious synchrony of breath between individuals. By engaging in these mirrored patterns of breathing, one can directly experience the interconnection between themselves and others, generating a deeper sense of shared emotional resonance.

The interplay between conscious and subconscious thinking is another important layer of the project. Conscious breathing brings attention to the vibrations and rhythms that often govern our inner world—rhythms that are frequently guided by subconscious processes. By intentionally slowing down and focusing on the breath, participants gain access to deeper levels of the mind, shifting from automatic reactions to more deliberate, self-reflective awareness. This shift creates space for insight, allowing individuals to transcend habitual thought patterns and connect with their emotions in a more intentional way. In this way, the breath acts as a bridge between the conscious and unconscious mind, facilitating healing and growth.

The project draws inspiration from ancient Indian practices such as pranayama (transl. control of life force) and the significant role of sound in yogic traditions. The syllable "Aum", considered the primordial sound of the universe, holds profound significance in both spiritual and philosophical contexts. In traditional yogic teachings, Aum is seen as the vibration that underpins all of existence, symbolising the interconnectedness of the cosmos and the self (Tiwari, 1998). The vibratory aspect of sound is crucial in understanding how breath connects not only to the body, but also to the energy and vibrations of the universe, offering a pathway to spiritual awakening and self-realisation.

Through individual experiences of the breath in a communal setting, the project also aims to encourage a more genuine understanding of the self, fostering unity, empathy, and wholeness through the act of healing. The communal aspect of breathwork aims to exemplify how self-healing is intricately linked to our ability to connect with others and share in the process of collective healing.