The Breathing Circle at the Masseria: How a Group Session Works in Salento
It is evening. You have left your phone in your bag. You lie down on a mat, in a stone hall, next to people you do not know. The music starts. And for two hours you do not have to do anything. Just breathe.
The breathing circle is the simplest way to try breathwork. A guided group session, about two hours, in which you breathe together following a rhythm and music. Tension melts. You go home with a lighter body.
No experience needed. No need to believe in anything. At Masseria Montanari, in Carpignano Salentino, the circle is guided by Davide, breath coach and facilitator, who works with Masseria Montanari, in the stone vaulted hall.
What really happens
- The opening. You sit in a circle on cushions. You introduce yourself by name. In ten minutes Davide explains what will happen and what you may feel.
- The breath. Lying down, with the music, you follow a rhythm guided by his voice. There are more intense phases and holds on empty or full lungs. This is where the body unloads: warmth, tingling, energy, sometimes an emotion.
- The silence. After the peak the breath slows down by itself. You stay in the stillness. Often it is the most beautiful part.
- The sharing. In turn, those who want to say what they felt. Those who do not, listen.
Why in a circle
Breathing next to other people changes the experience. The rhythm holds itself up. One person's release gives permission for another's. And the final sharing puts words on things that alone would stay silent.
The circle is also the natural first step towards one-to-one rebirthing, if you then want to go deeper.
Who it is for, and who it is not for
For those curious about breathwork who want to taste it without commitment. For those going through a stressful period looking for two hours they can feel in the body. For groups of friends, for those taking part in a retreat at the masseria, for company teams as an evening moment.
Safety comes before the experience. Intense practices are not advised in pregnancy, or with epilepsy, cardiovascular conditions, glaucoma, psychiatric conditions under treatment, recent surgery. If you have conditions to mention, write it beforehand: Davide will offer you the gentle version.
What to bring
Comfortable clothes. A light blanket. A bottle of water. A stomach that is not too full. Mats and cushions are provided. Your phone stays in your bag.
When and how much it costs
Circles take place on published dates, generally in the evening, for groups of 8 to 14 people. Dates go out first to those on the list. Indicative range: from 20 to 30 euros per person.
A group of friends of 8 or more can ask for a private circle on the date they prefer. The circles open to everyone, with the moon and the energy weekends, are on the Circles page.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it last and at what time? About two hours, generally from 19:00 to 21:00 on weekdays, with dates published in advance. Arrive a quarter of an hour early.
Can I bring my teenage child? From 16 with a parent present. Intense breathing is not for children: for younger ones there is functional breathing.
What if I cry in front of the others? It happens, and it is welcomed. In the circle no one comments and no one watches. It is one of the reasons the circle works.
Book a session
You come to try. The experience decides the rest. Tell me how you are and what you are looking for on the Breath page: you do not need to write much. I will reply myself, usually within a day, and tell you the next circle dates. If you are coming from far away, you can stay the night at the masseria.
Breathing practices are experiences of wellbeing and awareness offered under Italian Law 4/2013: they are not a remedy for anything and do not replace medical or psychological care.