The non-profit organizations of Tri-Cities, WA (Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland) serve as the backbone to many communities and individuals who rely on their services and programs. Yet, the pressure to meet the seemingly needless needs, battle for funding that other non-profits apply for, and to continuously show up for those you serve can weigh heavily on the teams behind these missions. What if I told you there's a simple, powerful tool that could not just alleviate this stress but transform it into something positive?
Enter: somatic breathwork.
“Soma” means body and “somatic” means of the body. Somatic breathwork involves conscious, connecting breathing patterns that can significantly impact your mental, emotional, and physical state. The key focus is your intention to go on this eyes closed, inward journey to get your mind to shut so that your body can talk. Imagine harnessing the power of something you do every moment of every day—breathing—to not only manage stress but to improve focus, boost emotional resilience, and foster team unity.
If you have not heard about this before, Google it - The Body Keeps The Score. And before you get ahead of yourself; no, no I do not get any profit for you searching for it OR even if you buy it. It is; however, a book. The first book I actually read in over a decade and in just two days. Your body is literally a container of stress. You can call it stored stress, stored memories, trauma, memories, experiences, or any other phrase. Somatic breathwork practices can not only remind you that you are in control but it can also clear out the stress you hold in your body.
Inspired by Simon Sinek’s philosophy of starting with ‘why’, let’s dive into why somatic breathwork is a perfect fit for non-profit organizations, especially here in Tri-Cities. Our community is unique, with its blend of rural charm and rapidly growing urban development. The diversity of needs and the range of services provided by our non-profits require a level of resilience and adaptability that can be exhausting.
Breathwork offers a way to reset your mind and body, to bring your teams back to a centered state where creativity and compassion can flourish. It’s about turning inward to find strength, so you can then project that strength outward to those who you serve.
What could your non-profit organization look like when you are proactive in preventing burnout and investing in the health and well-being of your staff and volunteers?
Community happens when we connect and get to know each other. I believe in the importance of creating a collaborative partnership and I also understand that somatic breathwork may not be for every nonprofit organization out there.
With that being said, as the founder and owner of a small minority business I have the ability to be flexible in creating a somatic breathwork wellness program that fits the needs of your non-profit. I am looking forward to connecting with other like minded individuals and organizations that are creative thinkers, people who think outside the box.
Does that sound like you?
Consistency is key. Whether it’s starting a weekly 15-minute session as the day starts on a Monday or dedicating a half-hour every Friday to wind down and reflect.
If you went to the gym once a month, would you end up looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger?
If you ran once a year, would you be able to complete a marathon or even a 10k?
If you wanted to be a millionaire, would something like that happen overnight?
No, I mean… Unless you win the lottery or something like that, I do not believe a person would achieve any of these results overnight or with an inconsistent practice.
Not everyone might be on board at first, and that’s okay. I will not force anyone to do anything they do not feel comfortable with, and neither should you. Yes, I have experienced the benefits of engaging in somatic breathwork but just because I can talk about my experience does not automatically mean everyone is going to want to do it.
A potential option might be that you could offer an incentive to those who participate whether they get an extra PTO day for attending four (4) sessions or maybe they can flex their Friday and leave early.
Each non-profit team in Tri-Cities has its unique dynamics, challenges, and needs. Tailoring your breathwork program to fit these elements is crucial for its success. This is important and can be discussed during the free consultation as every nonprofit organization is different and has unique needs. Some might prefer in-person sessions, virtual sessions, or maybe a mix of both.
I will note that nothing compares to doing sessions in-person because it allows for connection and community building. If you divide the sessions based on teams, it can help strengthen team bonds or if you mix it up, it can help others connect with people from different teams.
Somatic breathwork is an adaptable practice that focuses on circular, connected breathing but the beauty of breathwork is that you, or the participant, is always in control. There are other techniques out there that provide equal benefit and you can even find them on YouTube for free.
One of the huge benefits of having a practitioner is that I will guide the participants through the process while also being able to watch for the participants non-verbal communications that might occur during the session. This allows me to provide verbal cues that help people bring their attention to it so they can take their practice deeper. By doing so, they can feel it more and strengthen their mind/body connection.
It is not just like a guided meditation, somatic breathwork is what takes you deeper.
This is something that I can help with as feedback will help me guide sessions and I will be able to address any concerns that participants may have.
I have no promises of somatic breathwork being a magic cure, pill, or wand. It is a practice that when people engage in it consistently, they will be able to learn how to be in-control of their breath and not the other way around.
Leaders play a crucial role in the success of a breathwork program. By participating and showing enthusiasm, you not only set an example but also reinforce the value of the practice. Integrating breathwork into your leadership style can also enhance your empathy, patience, and clarity—qualities that inspire and motivate teams.
How can you tell other people to do something that you are not willing to do yourself?
Introducing any new program comes with its hurdles. Time constraints, resistance to change, and skepticism can all pose challenges. Remember, the goal is not to force change but to offer tools that can help. Stay patient, flexible, and open to feedback. Celebrate small wins and gradual progress.
This is also where the consultation and design comes into play as tailoring a package program that might look like three to four in-person sessions along with access to online modules so they
