Mandala Breathwork in a circle is particularly an exercise in self-discovery, while being united with the energy of a group and another soul in front of us. We experience a connection with ourselves (our feelings) in order to open up to the other. We see and are seen.
Mandala Breathwork layout
Depending on the layout of the room and the geometry created by the facilitator, you are invited to form two circles. The outer circle surrounds the inner circle.
Mandala Breathwork. Event on Dec. 16, 2024 in Sherbrooke, Canada.Photo credit: Béatrice Vu
The number of people needed to create each circle simply depends on the number of people attending the event. The outer circle contains the same number of souls as the inner circle. Each person in both circles is positioned to face a partner.
Accompanied by music, the session facilitator guides you to a conscious, connected breath in front of the person facing you. The connection experience can last from 4 to 7 minutes, the time of one or two songs.
Its primary role is to create a safe space in which rich connections can be explored and integrated.
People are encouraged to breathe while sitting and gazing steadily at the partner paired for the occasion. The circle, the outer wheel, then rotates so that the people in it stop just a little further away, in front of the next partner on their left.
Of course, participants are called upon to listen to each other throughout the various sequences (with the different partners). It’s a great exercise in setting healthy limits. The need for these is often and simply felt in our human vehicle through contractions, heat, tingling, etc. In practical terms, this means that if a person wishes to keep their eyes closed with one or more partners during the session, they are invited to do so. Other ways of doing this may be to reduce the intensity of your breathing, to ground yourself or to find a resource point on your body to feel more secure. It’s all a bit like everyday life when someone tries to connect with you.
Discomfort can present itself to you through sensations in your body that call you to go and observe them, silently breathing with the person facing you, or it can even present itself with an impulse inviting you to withdraw from the space. Respect yourself.
How will you honor what you observe and feel? Breathing, observing, connecting and letting go can have great therapeutic effects.
This game of musical chairs activates us in many ways, from one partner to the next, from one breath to the next, smiles, tears, worries, faces that seem to take on other forms, memories that resurface, healings, liberations. Anything is possible. You are encouraged to welcome and observe what is here and now.
Acceptable and unacceptable behavior during Mandala Breathwork
There are, of course, things to do that are not acceptable at these events. Even for acceptable behaviors, it is necessary to verbally validate the other person’s agreement before undertaking them. Consent is required.
Acceptable behavior during conscious, connected breathing
- Hold hands, support/encourage each other to breathe properly and express themselves.
- There may be a feeling of closeness, but it’s conscious, healthy and pure. A feeling of respect for the being in front of us to grow.
Unacceptable behaviors during conscious, connected breathing
- Getting close and touching the person in front of us who is not consenting. Hugging inappropriately.
- Trying to force, lead or share something that is unwelcome. (Trying to gain something from the situation, sharing sacred/sexual energy or something else that is unwanted).
Acceptable behavior during the thank-you period
- Namaste, hug, hold hands, smile, wink, bow.
Unacceptable behavior during the thank-you period
- Touching private parts, non-consensual touching and cuddling.
- Trying to “rescue” a partner who is crying or in a difficult state. Trying to guide their journey by sharing unsolicited advice, for example.
How to take part in a Mandala Breathwork?
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Conclusion
The Mandala Breathwork is an experience in which you see yourself through the eyes (mirror) of the person in front of you, while breathing in a conscious and connected way to promote a more transformative experience.
Have you ever experienced Mandala Breathwork? If so, please share your experience with us below.
