find
stillness
Held in the intimate space of our Pacific Beach art gallery, Stillness Sessions are one-hour private experiences designed to quiet the mind, restore the nervous system, and reconnect you to yourself - surrounded by living art.
Led by Alicia L. Swift: certified breathwork & meditation facilitator, and also the artist behind stop/motion and Astreya.
A practice in presence
Private breathwork & meditation for calm
Every session, carefully designed for you
Every session, carefully designed for you
Each Stillness Session is a complete, intentional arc - from your first breath to integration. No two sessions are identical, but every element is thoughtfully layered for cumulative effect based on your specific needs and goals.
the experience
Light coaching and gentle discussions to carry the practice into your daily life.
integration
5
Find mental stillness, supported by the peaceful environment around you.
meditation
3
A period of rest to anchor & embody the calming sensations of the session.
savasana
4
Practice ancient pranayama techniques that will leave you feeling relaxed & restored.
breathwork
2
Select botanical scents to set the tone for your nervous system before you begin.
aromatherapy
1
"I can't believe how relaxed I feel after my session, even in the middle of a busy day - that's something that's usually really hard for me."
testimonial
testimonial
"I can't believe how relaxed I feel after my session, even in the middle of a busy day - that's something that's usually really hard for me."
-Mikayla
-Mikayla
choose your peace
Experience serenity in Pacific Beach
single session
Your first breath
A 60-minute private session: Get fully personalized attention from your certified guide, Alicia
Aromatherapy, breathwork, meditation & savasana: Enjoy a serene, sensory experience with relaxing scents, gentle music, soft textures, and luxe props
Integration & stress management guidance: Wrap-up the session with a compassionate discussion of what came up for you, with tips for stress management
Held in the Astreya gallery in Pacific Beach: Experience the scientific benefits of neuroaesthetics firsthand - breathe among beautiful artworks, while warm sunlight filters through soft linen curtains onto your mat
$150
per session - 1 hour
"Art, like breathwork, is known to quiet the mind, heal the body, and feed the soul. When art meets breath, the effects are multiplied."
The philosophy behind Stillness Sessions
"Art, like breathwork, is known to quiet the mind, heal the body, and feed the soul. When art meets breath, the effects are multiplied."
-alicia L. Swift, founder & certified breathwork facilitator
How it works
How it works
The journey
The journey
Close with 15 minutes of integration: light coaching & reflection on what came up for you during the session, and leave with easy tips for stress management.
integrate & track
4
Enjoy 45 minutes of relaxing breathwork, meditation, and savasana: expertly paced entirely for you to leave renewed & rested.
just breathe
3
Reserve a day and time that's convenient for you - we use Acuity to schedule you and provide email and text reminders.
book online
1
The gallery is prepared for you: essential oils displayed, props placed, space cleared. We spend a few minutes connecting before we begin.
arrive & settle
2
Stillness Sessions are for those who...
is this for you?
Feel chronically overstimulated
The constant noise of modern life has become your baseline - and you're ready for a real reset.
Want to build a sustainable practice
You're not looking for a one-time fix. You want a structured, trackable approach to stress and wellbeing.
Are navigating a major life transition
New role, shifting relationships, loss: change can be stressful, and these sessions provide grounded support and clarity.
Want more than a class or app
You've tried guided apps, wearable tech & group classes, and you're ready for something personal, private, and effective.
Crave a truly beautiful setting
You believe your environment matters - and doing the inner work immersed in art feels right.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
You can book a Stillness Session directly online. You're also welcome to reach out via the contact form and we can schedule you that way, as well.
What happens during a Stillness Session?
Do I need prior experience with breathwork or meditation?
How much does a session cost, and what are my options?
Where are sessions held?
Who leads the sessions?
Why are sessions held in an art gallery?
How do I book a session?
No experience is necessary. Stillness Sessions are designed to meet you exactly where you are. Your first session is a complete experience on its own — you'll leave with practical tools and a felt sense of what the practice can offer, with no pressure to continue beyond that.
A Stillness Session is a private, one-hour experience held inside the Astreya gallery in the Pacific Beach neighborhood of San Diego. Every session moves through five stages: aromatherapy to settle the nervous system, guided pranayama breathwork, meditation, savasana, and a short integration conversation to carry the practice into daily life. No two sessions are identical — each is shaped around your specific needs and goals.
A single session is $150 for one hour in the gallery. This investment includes your choice of essential oils, plus luxe props made of organic and sustainable materials. Choose from among a rectangular bolster, faux fur blanket, cork yoga blocks, and a lavender eye pillow. Bad back or knees? No problem! Instead of sitting on the mat, we will set up a chair for you, or you can lie down.
All sessions take place at the Astreya gallery. We are located at 4502 Cass Street, Suite 106, Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA 92109.
Every session is led by Alicia L. Swift — the founder of Astreya, the artist behind the stop/motion collection, and a certified breathwork and meditation facilitator. Alicia holds a PhD and designed the Stillness Sessions at the intersection of art and science: specifically, somatics and neuroaesthetics.
Art and breathwork activate many of the same neurological pathways — both quiet the default mode network, slow the breath, and bring attention into the present moment. Doing breathwork surrounded by fine art amplifies the effect of each. The gallery environment is intentionally designed to support stillness: calm lighting, considered space, and artwork that invites slow looking rather than quick consumption.
What is neuroaesthetics and why does it matter for breathwork?
Neuroaesthetics is the science of how beauty, art, and environment affect the brain and nervous system. Research shows that viewing fine art activates the brain's reward and default mode networks — the same systems engaged during breathwork and meditation. At Astreya, this is not incidental: the gallery environment is deliberately designed so that the art and the breathwork practice work in the same direction, compounding each other's calming effects. Astreya is believed to be the world's first neuroaesthetic and somatic art gallery — a permanent, dedicated practice, rather than a temporary exhibit or one-off event.