About Our Workshops

Q: What is the difference between a workshop and a class?

A: Our workshops offer a more immersive and interactive experience compared to a typical class. Instead of just following instructions, you'll dive deeper into the why and how behind breathing techniques, yoga, and mindfulness practices. Each session blends guided exercises, in-depth explanations, and Q&A discussions, helping you develop a strong foundation. Workshops are also longer—usually two hours or more—and focus on community connection and shared learning. Plus, we provide free eBooks after each session to reinforce your understanding and help you integrate these practices into daily life with confidence and ease.

Q: What is the cost of a workshop?

A: We are pleased to offer complimentary access to all our workshops and events until March 31, 2025, to ensure they align with your needs! Following this, you can choose to continue with a monthly gratuity of $30. You can join us on Meetup to get started and explore the workshops.

Q: How do I register for a workshop?

A: We currently use Meetup.com to manage our workshop schedule and registration. Simply create a free Meetup account (if you don't have one), join the Breathe Balance community on Meetup, and RSVP to the event you'd like to attend. Enjoy a full month of free access to all our workshops – no payment details required! We're exploring other registration options for the future, so stay tuned.

Q: What is the typical size of your in-person workshops?

A: We find that a group size of 20-30 participants creates the ideal balance between a vibrant community atmosphere and personalised attention. This allows us to provide individual guidance and support while fostering a sense of connection among participants. Once a workshop reaches capacity, we will schedule additional sessions to accommodate everyone. We also offer bi-weekly online sessions with a capacity for up to 100 participants. As our community grows, we will schedule additional weekly workshops to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate in this supportive and intimate setting.

Q: What if there's bad weather? Do you reschedule?

A: Yes, we prioritise the safety and comfort of our participants. If there is severe weather, we may reschedule a Saturday workshop to Sunday morning or evening. If rescheduling isn't possible, we'll offer an additional online "Breathe Together" session the following week. We aim to provide a minimum of four and a maximum of six workshops each month. Please check our Meetup page for updates and announcements.

Q: What should I wear and bring to a workshop?

A: Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing that allows for easy movement – think layers! Comfortable walking shoes are essential.

Here's a suggested packing list:

• Yoga Mat or Alternative: A yoga mat is recommended for seated and lying-down practices. A thick towel, picnic rug, or foldable travel mat can also work well.

• Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is important! Refills will be available during the break.

• Sun Protection: Hat, sunscreen (especially for outdoor sessions).

• Insect Repellent: May be needed depending on the location and season.

• Backpack: A bag or backpack to carry your mat and belongings during the walk.

• Most Importantly: An open mind and a willingness to connect with your breath!

Note: We aim to offer eco-friendly handmade light yoga mats for purchase in the future.

Q: Do I need to bring a yoga mat? I'm concerned about carrying it during the nature walk.

A: Yes, a yoga mat (or a suitable alternative like a thick towel or picnic rug) is recommended for your comfort during seated, standing, and lying-down practices. Here's how to manage it during the walk:

• Lightweight Options: A foldable travel yoga mat, a thick towel, or a body-sized picnic rug are all easy to carry.

• Carry Solutions: If you prefer a standard mat, consider a yoga mat bag, duffle, or backpack.

• Skip the Walk: If you'd rather not carry anything, you're welcome to stay back, or finish workshop and skip the walk part.

Your comfort is our priority! We'll adapt the practice to suit you.

Q: Do I need any prior experience with breathwork or yoga?

A: While prior experience with yoga or breathing practices can be helpful, it is not required. Our workshops are thoughtfully designed to accommodate everyone, from complete beginners to seasoned practitioners. Our volunteer will guide you with clear instructions and offer modifications to ensure the practices suit your individual needs, making it a welcoming and enriching experience for all.

Q: How long are the workshops?

A: Our weekly in-person workshops are typically 2 hours or more in duration, and online in 30 min to an hour. Our monthly community nature walks can be half-day to full-day. Please check the specific event description on Meetup for details.

Q: What is involved in a typical workshop?

A: Our workshops typically involve mindful breathing practices including pranayama, foundational yoga stretches (asanas), and mindful movement. We also include mindful community walks connecting with nature and each other. You can skip any of the activities based on your preferences, and each week's workshop will be different. Please check the specific event description for details.

Q: Where are the workshops held?

A: We hold our weekly workshops in various beautiful parks and open spaces around Sydney, including Milsons Point on the North Shore, and considering indoor spaces in the future. We also offer bi-weekly online "Breathe Together" sessions. Check our Meetup page for specific locations.

Getting Started with Breathe Balance

Q: What are the prerequisites for attending the session/workshop?

A: Our sessions are designed to be accessible to most people, regardless of experience level. Anyone in reasonable health who is comfortable with gentle movement is welcome to attend. We offer modifications to suit different needs. However, each session has a unique focus, so please refer to the individual event description for any specific prerequisites or recommendations. If you have any concerns about your physical ability to participate or have any underlying health conditions, please consult with your doctor and don't hesitate to contact us.

Q: Can a child attend a session?

A: Children over the age of 12 are welcome to attend our sessions when accompanied by a supervising adult. The calm, mindful nature of our workshops may not be suitable for younger children. Please contact us if you have any questions about age appropriateness.

Q: Is this a religious practice? Do I need to follow any certain faith?

A: Breathe Balance sessions are secular and open to everyone, regardless of religious beliefs or background. While mindful breathing practices have roots in various ancient traditions, our focus is on the scientifically backed benefits of breathwork for physical and mental well-being. We draw inspiration from time-tested techniques, including Pranayama, used by many cultures throughout history, and present them in a way that is accessible and relevant to modern life.

Q: Does Breathe Balance offer energy healing, Reiki, Kundalini awakening, or Tantra practices?

A: At Breathe Balance, we focus on the transformative power of mindful breathing and gentle movement, rooted in the ancient yogic path. While we respect diverse spiritual traditions, we do not offer energy healing, Reiki, Kundalini awakening, or Tantra.

Yoga, as defined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, written in the 2nd century BCE, is “the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind” (Yoga Sutra 1.2). This timeless philosophy guides our approach. Rather than seeking external solutions or quick fixes, we emphasise sustainable, breath-centred practices like Pranayama (breathwork) and foundational asanas (postures) to cultivate inner stillness and self-awareness. Our workshops honour yoga’s traditional path, offering practical tools to quiet the mind and reconnect with your innate capacity for balance. Whether you’re new to yoga or deepening your practice, we provide an inclusive space to explore breath as the foundation of well-being—simple, accessible, and grounded in ancient wisdom.

Q: What kind of yoga do you practice in your workshops?

A: Our teachings are inspired by the Eightfold Path of Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga), a holistic framework that includes breathwork, mindful movement, and ethical principles. While we focus on accessible practices like Pranayama and Asana, this ancient philosophy reminds us that yoga is a journey of self-awareness, not just physical exercise.

Unlike fast-paced or physically intense yoga styles, our sessions emphasise slow, intentional movement and breath awareness. Whether you’re new to yoga or experienced, our goal is to help you cultivate presence, reduce stress, and integrate mindful practices into your everyday life.

Q: Are you a Yoga Alliance-certified teacher?

A: While we respect the value of formal certifications, Manish's path has involved deep immersion in traditional yoga lineages, studying under respected teachers in the Iyengar, Sivananda and other ancient yogic traditions, including direct disciple of Sri B.K.S Iyengar. It's worth noting that many revered teachers throughout history, such as Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya (the mentor to both B.K.S. Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois), emphasised the direct transmission of wisdom over formal certifications. At Breathe Balance, we offer mindful breathing and movement workshops inspired by these traditions, rather than conventional yoga classes. As a volunteer, Manish's goal is to create a supportive community where we can explore the transformative power of the breath together.

About Private Sessions

Q: What are the benefits of private sessions?

A: Private sessions offer personalised instruction tailored to your individual needs and goals. They are ideal for those who want to deepen their practice, address specific concerns, or prefer a one-on-one setting.

Q: How do I book a private session?

A: Please contact us via the contact form on our website or email us at hello@breathebalance.org to schedule a private session.

About Mindful Breathing

Q: What is mindful breathing?

A: Mindful breathing is the practice of paying full attention to your breath as it flows in and out. It's a simple yet powerful technique for calming the mind, reducing stress, and increasing self-awareness. Our practice also includes pranayama breathing, which involves specific breathing exercises.

Q: What are the benefits of mindful breathing?

A: Mindful breathing, including pranayama, has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and concentration, lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, and promote better sleep.

Q: How is breathwork different from meditation?

A: While both breathwork and meditation cultivate mindfulness, breathwork specifically focuses on conscious control and manipulation of the breath to achieve various physical and mental states. Many forms of meditation incorporate breath awareness as an anchor for attention, but breathwork, especially pranayama, uses the breath as the primary tool for transformation.

Q: I have a medical condition. Can I still participate?

A: It is recommended that you consult with your doctor before starting any new physical activity, including breathwork, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition. We are happy to discuss any concerns you may have and adapt our practices to suit your individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

"When the breath wanders, the mind is unsteady. But when the breath is calmed, the mind too will be still, and the yogi achieves long life."

— Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Chapter 2, Verse 2