Breathing into Brotherhood

Somatic Wisdom Institute 1324 Lake Dr. SE, #4 Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Tuesday, October 14th 6:30-8:30pm

Breathing Into Brotherhood is a guided breathwork experience designed to support men in healing, grounding, and reconnecting with their true essence. This is a space to explore what it means to be a man today—without judgment, without the need to perform, and without having to explain your story.

Through conscious breathwork, we’ll move energy and emotion through the body—not to dissect it, but to release it. This is not about talking it out, it’s about feeling it through.

The event will begin by enjoying a cup of fresh cacao to open your heart and relax your mind. Ryan is the founder of Cacao de Luca, he sources his cacao beans ethically from Honduras and roasts and refines them locally in Grand Rapids. Cacao offers a variety of physical and emotional benefits, and when used intentionally it becomes a tool that connects you deeper to your emotions and to your life.

SOMA Breath is a breathwork practice that involves rhythmic breathing and breath holding. These ancient techniques have been used by yogis for thousands of years and offer numerous benefits on physical, emotional, and neurological levels. Rhythmic breathing regulates the nervous system, bringing the heart and brain into a state of coherence. When this occurs, the body's systems (digestive, endocrine, lymphatic, hormonal, etc.) function more effectively.

Additionally, many people unconsciously over-breathe or under-breathe based on conditioning and past traumas. Rhythmic breathing helps restore the natural and ideal breathing pattern. Breath holding, the real magic of this practice, creates a gentle positive stress response in the body, enhancing emotional and physical resilience to everyday stress. Physically, breath holding can improve oxygen efficiency, activate stem cell proliferation, and promote neurogenesis. It can also induce a deep state of meditation and presence. Intentionally holding the breath triggers the release of "feel-good" hormones such as endorphins and dopamine, improving mood and relaxing both body and mind. Many participants report feeling a deep sense of peace, tranquility, hope, and excitement after SOMA sessions.

Ryan, a certified SOMA Breath instructor, will guide you through this transformative SOMA Breath journey. High frequency music developed by the founder of SOMA Breath will enhance the experience, along with embodied movement, vocal toning, and additional breath techniques.