Working Through Resistance in Breathwork

Resistance. It’s one of the most common—and yet most misunderstood—parts of the Breathwork journey. Whether you're new to this practice or have been breathing deeply for years, resistance can still show up, uninvited and persistent. And if you’ve ever felt that uncomfortable pull to stop, control, or avoid what’s coming up in a session… you’re not alone.

Why Does Resistance Arise?

In one word? Ego.

But let’s be clear—our ego isn’t the enemy. It’s actually the part of us that’s designed to protect. It wants to keep us safe, secure, and in familiar territory. The problem is, the ego doesn’t really differentiate between actual danger and emotional discomfort. So, when we enter Breathwork—a practice that can stir up suppressed emotions, old wounds, and powerful energetic shifts—our ego can sound the alarm.

Resistance is the ego’s way of saying, “Nope, too much. Let’s go back to what we know.”

It can show up in subtle ways: distractions, doubting the process, discomfort in the body, or suddenly thinking “this just isn’t working.” Or it can come in strong—like a wall of fear, irritation, or the desperate need to control what’s happening.

Over the years, both in my personal Breathwork sessions and as a facilitator, I’ve noticed a powerful pattern: resistance is often strongest right before a breakthrough. When something deep is ready to shift—something your soul is truly ready to release—that’s when the ego digs in the hardest. It clings to the familiar, even if the familiar is painful, simply because it’s known.

How to Work with Resistance

If you feel resistance during a session, start by coming back to your breath. Deepen your inhale. Stay present with your exhale. And most importantly—stay committed to the process. Let your breath be your anchor.

Often, the moment you feel like giving up, like stopping the breath or pulling back—that’s the very moment to lean in. The mind might be scrambling to make sense of what’s happening, but remember, this work isn’t about understanding. It’s about surrendering.

Letting go of the need to control, explain, or judge what’s coming up is part of the medicine. Your facilitator is there to support you, to hold space, and to help you feel safe enough to keep going—even when it gets hard.

Because what waits for you on the other side of resistance? That’s where the magic is. The clarity. The release. The lightness. It may not always be tidy or comfortable, but it is always real—and often, incredibly beautiful.

An Invitation to Breathe

If you’ve been curious about exploring your breath—or if resistance has held you back in the past—I invite you to join one of my weekly Group Breathwork Journeys or experience the depth of a 1:1 Individual Breathwork Session.

This work isn’t about fixing you—it’s about freeing you. And the breath, when met with courage and presence, can open doors to healing that the mind could never plan for.

Blessings,

Shanie 💜