We are so excited for our upcoming Breathwork Workshop  on Saturday, April 8 at 12:30 PM! Facilitated by Ana Lilia, this workshop will focus on controlled breathing which is a powerful form of meditation that helps to reduce emotional and physical stress as well as anxiety. Consciously breathing along with the help of sound therapy and aromatherapy, starts to move blocked energy and emotions from the body, provides you with a feeling of deep relaxation and mental clarity. Scroll down to find out more Ana and how breathwork can help calm the body! Not currently a guest at weSPARK? Contact us today to schedule your brief intake appointment!

Tell us about yourself! How did you begin your work in Breathwork Mediation?

I discovered Breathwork over two years ago, during a stressful time in my life. I had such an intense experience with my first class. I had a huge physical and emotional release of sadness and tension. I felt so much lighter and happier after that class and I was shocked to see that all colors looked brighter. I was hooked on Breathwork and wanted to share it with my friends and loved ones, so I decided to get certified to facilitate Breathwork meditation.

weSPARK provides free services for cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones. These services are meant to alleviate the physical and emotional side effects of a cancer diagnosis. What are the benefits of Breathwork Mediation and how do you think they will benefit the population we serve at weSPARK?

Breathwork Meditation (controlled breathing) activates the parasympathic nervous system, which helps to calm the body. Science is just starting to look at the benefits that yogis have known for centuries about breathwork.  Studies have shown that breathwork can help reduce stress, anxiety, help with insomnia, and depression.

Tell us about your experience with weSPARK. What led you to our facility and how can your work help benefit individuals dealing with a cancer diagnosis in the Los Angeles area?

I wanted to work with a non-profit organization and while talking with one of my clients she suggested weSPARK. She’s a cancer survivor and used weSPARK while she was going through her treatment. I thought it would be the perfect match. Breathwork Meditation helps release emotional and physical stress. And it can also be a calming and relaxing experience.

Can you guide us through what a breathwork mediation class looks like?

We start the class with a guided grounding meditation that helps people settle into the space and set an intention for the class. The active breathing is done lying down on a yoga mat. You take two inhales and one exhale all through the open mouth. The first inhale comes from your belly space and the second inhale from your chest, and then you exhale. There is music playing while you breathe. I also use essential oils, crystals, and do Reiki on participates while they’re breathing.

What do your guests take away after participating in Breathwork meditation?

People have described it as feeling very relaxed. Others say they have clarity on a situation they’ve been thinking about. Others physically feel lighter and less stressed.

weSPARK also offers healing services completely in Spanish for our Spanish speaking guests. In addition to this upcoming Spanish Breathwork workshop, what can we do to work together to continue to meet the needs of this population?

weSPARK is already doing so much for the community; I would say just keep doing what you’re already doing, which is being open to offering more classes. Also, check in with the Spanish speaking community and ask them what type of programs they would like to participate in.

What inspires you?

My students inspire me. Their determination, their openness, and the self-love they radiate after a breathwork session.

What is something people might not know about you?

I listen to Howard Stern in the morning.

Want to learn more about Ana? Be sure to visit her website and follow her on Facebook and Instagram!

weSPARK Cancer Support Center is located in Los Angeles and offers completely FREE programs, workshops, classes and individual therapies to cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones.  Remember to take a look at our monthly program schedule for more information about the services we offer.

Stay connected to weSPARK!