FAQ

Do I have to sit still with my eyes closed to practice mindfulness?

Not at all. Mindfulness isn’t about sitting still or closing your eyes—it’s about paying attention, on purpose, to your present-moment experience with curiosity and care. While seated meditation can be part of the Calm Mind program, mindfulness can also be cultivated while walking, eating, stretching, breathing, or even washing the dishes. In fact, many people find it easier to begin with movement-based or sensory-focused practices, especially if sitting still feels uncomfortable or triggering. The heart of mindfulness is awareness. And that's the reason the Calm Mind program offers you several options for how you'll practice mindfulness. So that you are able to find practices that feel safe, grounded, and sustainable for you.

How is this different from therapy? Or is it therapy?

None of the programs offered by Calm Mind Open Heart are replacements for psychotherapy; however, they can be used in conjunction with therapy. Psychotherapy often focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, exploring the past, and working through trauma with a licensed clinician. Calm Mind Open Heart programs offer either a self-study curriculum or a 1:1 coaching-based approach that emphasize present-moment awareness, breathwork, habit change, and alignment with your values. While you may touch on emotional patterns or limiting beliefs during the program, the focus is on helping you build tools—like mindfulness and breathwork techniques—that support resilience, clarity, and meaningful action in daily life. It's a pathway, not a prescription. And it’s designed to empower rather than pathologize.

Will I feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed during breathwork?
 

Yes, it's possible to feel uncomfortable or even overwhelmed during some forms of breathwork included in the Open Heart Breathwork program, especially if you're new to it or working with strong emotions—but you are always in the driver’s seat. You have full permission to pause, stop, or skip any exercise at any time. Breathwork is a powerful practice and it should never feel forced or unsafe. Part of what our program emphasizes is learning to listen to your body’s signals and honor your own pace. We’ll always prioritize safety and self-agency, and I’ll offer modifications and grounding techniques to help you stay connected and supported throughout the process. 
 

NOTE: If you have any health conditions—especially related to your heart, lungs, blood pressure, or mental health—it’s important to consult with a medical professional before engaging in breathwork. 

Do I need to be experienced in breathwork or meditation to start this?

No experience is necessary. Our programs are designed to meet you exactly where you are—whether you’re brand new to meditation and yogic breathwork (pranayama), returning after some time away, or have an on-again-off-again practice. Everything starts from the ground up, with simple, accessible practices that build gradually over time. You’ll be guided step by step, with plenty of support and options to adapt the practices to your own needs. What matters most isn’t how much you know, but how you practice taking your next breath.