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The Magic of Your Breath



Why is our breath important? Beyond the obvious necessity for the chemical cocktail that sustains life—carbon dioxide and oxygen combining to maintain bodily homeostasis—it plays a vital role in facilitating movement and space within our bodies. When we neglect intentional breathing, our rib cage locks down, restricting mobility. Picture it: the ribs, composed of bones with tiny muscles nestled in between, who are squished while we sit in our chairs all day, crave stretching. Without ample breath shoving the ribs into the space in front of us by filling the lungs housed within the ribs with air, these bones snugly converge and almost fuse, hindering flexibility. Thus, deep, expansive breaths can invigorate our bodies, increasing flexibility and mobility.


Yet, the significance of breath extends beyond mere biomechanics. It serves as a gateway to disconnect from the world's relentless march of time, grounding us deeply within ourselves. Through intentional breathing, we can explore every nook and cranny of our beings, inviting awareness into areas often overlooked. Initially, this practice may evoke coughing, discomfort, and tightness in familiar places like the neck, throat, chest, shoulders, back, and belly. But persisting through these sensations offers profound insights into our physical and emotional states.


Here are a few questions to ponder when you check in with your breath next time: Can you discern the subtle differences between sides, noticing tightness or soreness on one side while feeling no contraction on the other during exhalation? Can you expand your belly outward and draw it upward toward your chest, exploring the full spectrum of motion available to you? By consciously engaging in this practice, we not only honor the intricate dance between our conscious and unconscious selves, we explore the possibility of space inside of our bodies, gaining a deeper understanding of our bodies position and innate wisdom.


Intentional breathing transcends the ego-driven realm of intellect, that suggests merely being alive guarantees optimal breathing. Intentional breath invites us to relinquish assumptions about our well-being and views the bodies experience as a practice. It's through intentional exploration that we uncover the truth of our physical and emotional states. Embracing the discomfort of pushing our breath to its limits humbles us, providing valuable insights into our overall well-being and encouraging humility for our imperfections. Let the quality of your breath serve as a mirror, reflecting the true state of your being and guiding you toward a more profound connection with yourself.


In the end, the most precious treasures in life lie not outside but within us—spaces waiting to be explored, depths waiting to be plumbed. So, let us embark on this journey of intentional breathing, allowing it to illuminate the path to self-discovery and well-being.


What I recommend is breathing WHILE you are doing stretches that I've assigned you. Without your breath during movements, your body will perceive movement outside of your regular positions as being in danger. When you hold your breath, your body interprets it as a signal of imminent threat. So, while exercising, if you're not intentionally breathing, you're likely triggering your body's fight or flight response.


By syncing your breath with your movements, you signal to your body that you are safe and in control. Each inhale expands your capacity, while each exhale releases tension and invites relaxation. This rhythmic flow of breath not only enhances the effectiveness of your stretches but also fosters a deeper mind-body connection.


So, as you embark on your stretching routine, remember to accompany each movement with a conscious breath. Inhale deeply as you lengthen and expand, and exhale fully as you release and deepen. Let your breath be your guide, guiding you into a state of greater ease and alignment. Golden Rule: No Breath = No Stretch.


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