Shawn’s Restoring Prana Breath Training was one of the best investments I have ever made in myself and was life changing in so many ways. Shawn has been my yoga therapist for many years, working with me mainly on getting out of chronic pain and recovery from past trauma. A couple of years ago, I was dealing with some serious medical issues related to allergies and asthma including breaking out in chronic, full-body hives, constant chest tightness, and worsening of asthma symptoms. I went to multiple doctors, and no one could adequately explain what was happening. I was prescribed multiple antihistamines, along with inhaler, epi-pen just in case, and sent on my way. Naturally, I  asked Shawn for a consultation since he had been able to help me with so many other issues. The first session, he assessed my breath and explained that I was over-breathing. Later, I learned that I had been chronically hyperventilating, probably for most of my life. My yoga practice, which had helped me physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually in so many other ways, had not helped me with breath, as the yogic breathing I had been practicing encouraged over-breathing. After a few months of working with Shawn on reducing my breath (called subtle breathing), and building my tolerance to CO2, my hives cleared, and many of my other symptoms started to resolve.

When Shawn decided to offer a 12-month training on the techniques he was using following Robin Rothenberg’s book and workbook, “Restoring Prana”, I immediately signed up because I wanted to dive more deeply into restoring my own breath and be able to share that experience with others. The 12 months of training were intense, challenging, and amazing. Turns out, it’s about so much more than breath. How we breathe is really just a reflection of our subtle energy or prana and how we show up in the world. Restoring Prana is about  evaluating and reflecting on every aspect of our lives as well as continual practice with the breath. I already knew that Shawn was an amazing teacher, friend, and guide, so I was willing to dive deep with total trust. His patience and gentle guidance were exactly what I needed to be honest with myself, with him, with my family and friends, and with my work to find better balance in my life and restore my prana. By the time I completed the training with Shawn, my health was restored, I hadn’t used my inhaler in months, and my energy was fantastic. I cannot say enough good things about this program and about Shawn as a wonderful guide for this journey.

Lorelei Alvarez, PhD. E-RYT 500
SustainableYogaUS@gmail.com