FAQ

What is Breathe - A Festival of Life?

Breathe is an annual event held at Osho Leela, Gilingham, Dorset. It is the UK's first Breathwork Festival. Breathe aims to welcome practitioners, of all breathwork styles, to share their pearls with fellow breathers, who may or may not have experience of breathwork. Breathe hopes for breathwork to be more widely recognized and used as a modality that is available to each and every person alive, to assist us in our healing journeys, individual, collective and planetary. 

Breathe is a celebration of the power of the breath and of breathing together. It is a celebration of life, in all its colours and shades.  

What is Breathwork? 

“Breathwork is a dynamic body-mind practice using conscious connected breathing techniques for inner peace, enhanced well-being and personal transformation. Breathing, beyond the basic need for survival, acts as a bridge between spirit, mind, and body; between the conscious and the subconscious. “Conscious Breathing” is one of the quickest ways to open the heart and energise the body.

When used in specific ways, breathing allows us to release and resolve emotions, belief systems, stresses and memories which are often inaccessible through the more conventional talking therapies.”

From: International Breathwork Foundation (IBF) 

What if I have never done breathwork before?

Breathe welcomes everyone and no experience of Breathwork is required. Please note the contraindications below. If you would like to, please let the Breathe team know in advance of the event, or at the event if you are new to breathwork, and we will ensure you have the support you need.

Are there any contraindications to breathwork?

Breathwork results in certain specific physiological changes in the body and also can result in intense physical and emotional release. As a precaution, the following conditions are contrandicated in certain breathwork practices: pregnancy, detached retina, glaucoma, high blood pressure (not controlled with medication), cardiovascular disease including angina, previous heart attack or stroke, diagnosis of aneurysm in the brain or abdomen, uncontrolled thyroid conditions and diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, prior diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or previous psychiatric condition, hospitalisation for any psychiatric condition or emotional crisis within the last 10 years, any other medical, psychiatric or physical conditions which would impair or affect ability to engage in any activities that involve intense physical and/or emotional release. On the Registration Form we'll email you, we will ask if you have any of these medical conditions or are taking any medication. These do not mean you can't participate but in some instances you will be advised to do a slightly different breathing technique. Please email us at admin@festivaloflife.co.uk if you have any queries, so we may advise you.

How big is the event?

This sixth year we are aiming to have between 130 and 150 attendees. But we are gradually growing still keeping the intimate atmosphere of a residential retreat. 

Is Breathe suitable for me if I have accessibility requirements?

There are provisions in place to enable disabled access; please do get in touch with us directly if you have any questions so we can give you the best advice. When you buy a ticket and it is emailed to you, there is a link on the email which gives access to a registration document, you can also tell us about any specific requirements you have on this form.  This form will also have been emailed directly to you. 

Is the event child friendly?

Breathe is more like a residential retreat than what we all imagine a festival to be like. The programme is aimed at adults and is mostly workshops and talks. If you wish to bring children please email admin@festivaloflife.co.uk.

Can I book a private session with one of the workshop leaders?

Yes you can, please email the teachers directly. We will do our best to provide the suitable space. This will be at an extra charge. 

what about the food? Do you cater for allergies?

Yes, during your stay, you will be provided with meals lovingly prepared by the Osho Leela Community. All food is vegan. Special diets (allergies/intolerances, etc.) are catered on request and for a small supplement. There is a separate tea making area with a wide range of beverages.

What do I need to bring?

All bedding linen is provided. Please bring your own towel.

For workshops: Please bring a yoga mat for the breathes, a blanket, a water bottle, and a pillow, or bolster if possible. You may also want to bring a swimming towel and a costume if you are staying at the venue, and wish to use the sweat lodge, ice-baths or river. Mats for breathing, blankets and pillows will also be available at the venue if you can't bring them.

TICKETS

What is included in the ticket price?

Ticket prices include the event program, accommodation, meals and refreshments throughout the week (except for day delegates, for whom there is no accommodation but lunch, evening meal and refreshments are included).

I haven't received my booking confirmation and/or E-ticket, what do I do?

All booking confirmations are sent to the Ticket Buyer's email address. If you are the Ticket Buyer and haven't received your booking confirmation, the most common reason is that you typed in your email address incorrectly on your order.

Can I exchange my ticket and someone else can come in my place?

Yes, if you let us know via email in advance and then you would need to make the arrangements to sell and get the money from the person buying the ticket and send them the email ticket voucher. They must complete the registration form and you must let us know you are not attending.

Will I get my money back if the event is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances?

Yes.

TRAVEL

What about parking?

Parking is available at the venue. For more information from the venue, please see here.

What if I'd like to request / offer a lift share?

Osho Leela have a Facebook group for lift shares.