This conversation was originally on instagram.
Great question- and a hard one to answer without working with you directly- but here are some potential reasons. Do any of them resonate with you?
1. Subconscious misconceptions about your breathing anatomy. The rib-basket is much longer, wider, and deeper than most of us imagine it to be. The diaphragm attaches along the bottom of the rib-basket, and if we think that’s too high up, even subconsciously, we may take shallow breaths.
2. Subconsciously holding our stomachs “in” to meet some idealized shape.
3. Misconceptions about how the body’s support works can lead us to clench our abs- Core support is important, but must be taught and practiced in a wholistic way that INCLUDES organic breath.
4. Subconscious sense of unease / mild danger. Look for places in your space that make you feel safe and “anchor” there.
5. Trauma held in your body. A question you might ask: was there a moment when this holding pattern began for you? For example: after my dad died, I transitioned into an intense holding pattern in my ribs that took years to bring into my awareness and then unwind. Some of it was emotional. Some physical misconceptions. Some all of the above. But If a trauma like this enters your awareness, you might consider working with a Somatic Practitioner to support your unwinding.
Any of that resonate with you? 💚
If you have a question you’d like answered on this blog, please email me or reply on instagram
and I’d be happy to look it over. Or, Feel free to comment below!