The Power of Intention in Deep Dive Breathwork: Why It Matters and How It Works
One of the most transformative aspects of breathwork I’ve encountered & incorporated more recently is the use of an intention. When we practise breathwork—especially deep dive breathwork—working with an intention can simply elevate the experience.
In this blog, I’ll explain why setting an intention is so powerful during breathwork, the science behind it, and how you can use this practice to get the most out of your breathwork sessions.
Why Setting an Intention Is So Important in Breathwork
Intention is a conscious choice to direct your thoughts, energy, and focus toward a specific outcome or purpose. It’s like setting the Sat Nav for your mind and body. Whether your goal is physical healing, emotional release, or mental clarity, intention helps anchor your breathwork practice to a deeper purpose.
When you go into a deep dive breathwork session with intention, it shifts the practice from being a passive experience to an active one. You’re not just following your breath—you’re guiding it toward a specific aim, whether that's letting go of stress, working through a past trauma, or manifesting a new perspective.
Intention enhances your awareness, helping you focus and align your breathwork with your inner needs. It can also provide a framework for reflection, making it easier to notice changes, progress, or insights that come up during or after a session.
The Science Behind Using Intentions in Breathwork
The use of intention isn’t just a spiritual or abstract concept—it has a basis in science. When you set a clear intention, you engage several key processes in your brain, which influence your mental and physical states. Here’s how it works:
Neuroplasticity: The brain’s ability to reorganise and form new neural connections is called neuroplasticity. When you practise breathwork with intention, you’re essentially training your brain to focus on that specific outcome. Over time, the neural pathways associated with your intention become stronger, allowing you to manifest change more easily. If you’re using breathwork to reduce anxiety, for example, your brain begins to associate deep breathing with calmness and relaxation, rewiring your stress response.
The Reticular Activating System (RAS): Your brain has a built-in filtering system called the reticular activating system, which determines what information gets prioritised. When you set an intention, the RAS tunes into that specific goal and filters your experiences accordingly. This is why when you focus on healing or self-love during breathwork, you’re more likely to notice insights or emotional releases tied to those areas.
Heart-Brain Coherence: Research from the HeartMath Institute shows that when we focus on positive emotions or intentions, we create coherence between our heart and brain. This synchronisation leads to better emotional regulation, reduced stress, and improved cognitive function. Deep breathing helps activate this coherence, and when paired with intention, it can amplify the benefits, leading to a deeper sense of harmony between the mind and body.
How to Set an Intention for Your Breathwork Practice
Setting an intention doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does require some thought. Here are steps to help you set a powerful and focused intention for your breathwork session:
Tune Into What You Need: Before beginning your breathwork, take a few moments to reflect. What do you need most at this moment? Are you seeking emotional release, physical healing, mental clarity, or spiritual connection? Allow yourself to be honest about where you are and what you hope to gain from the session.
Phrase Your Intention Positively: Intentions are most powerful when stated in a positive way. Instead of focusing on what you want to avoid (e.g., “I don’t want to feel anxious”), frame your intention as what you want to cultivate (e.g., “I invite / intend calm and peace into my body and mind”). This helps shift your focus toward the outcome you desire rather than the problem you're facing.
Keep It Simple: Your intention doesn’t have to be complex. In fact, the simpler, the better. Some examples include: “I let go of stress,” “I embrace love and compassion,” or “I invite healing into my body.” Choose something that resonates with you and feels true to your current needs.
Visualise Your Intention: As you begin your deep dive breathwork, spend a moment visualising your intention. What would it look and feel like to embody this intention fully? For example, if your intention is to release stress, imagine yourself in a completely relaxed state, free from tension. Let this visualisation guide your breathing as you move through the session.
How Breathwork Reinforces Your Intention
Once your intention is set, the breath itself becomes a bridge between your conscious mind and your subconscious desires. Here’s how breathwork and intention work together:
Deep Breathing and Emotional Release: When you breathe deeply, it activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation and healing. This helps to lower cortisol levels, reduce stress, and open up emotional pathways that might otherwise be blocked. With a clear intention in mind, deep breathing encourages the release of emotions or thoughts that align with that intention. For example, if your intention is to let go of past pain, the deep breathing might bring up old emotions for you to release.
Mind-Body Connection: Breathwork creates a profound connection between the mind and body. By focusing on both your breath and your intention, you tap into your body’s innate wisdom, allowing it to guide you toward what you need. If your intention is self-compassion, you might find that your breath naturally softens as you relax into kindness toward yourself.
Heightened Awareness: When you practise breathwork with intention, you become more attuned to subtle shifts in your energy, emotions, and physical sensations. This heightened awareness allows you to notice how your intention is affecting you in real-time, giving you the opportunity to adjust and deepen your practice as needed.
Aligning Breath and Intention for Transformational Change
Next time you practise deep dive breathwork, don’t forget to set a clear, positive intention. You’ll be amazed at how this small step can shift your experience and help you unlock deeper levels of growth, healing, and self-awareness.
If you’re looking to deepen your breathwork practice with intention or would like personal guidance, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help you breathe with purpose and transform your life!