5 reasons you may be taking shallow breaths

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!

Tilling your Somatic Soil

We unearthed my grandfather’s old vegetable garden from beneath 15 years of overgrowth.

Aside from feeling a tangible sense of union with my grandfather’s spirit, I was fascinated by this earth as we prepped it for planting our first vegetables. Even after we raked the first layer of leaves to find earth underneath, it took hours of tilling to clear and aerate the earth. Sneaky, deep, inch-wide weeds invaded the garden beds, and would have sabotaged the outward expression of vegetables planted there.

It made me think about the weeds we carry in the sinews of our flesh- in our mental, physical, emotional bodies- that inhibit the fullest expressions of ourselves, and sometimes even ‘run the show’ deep beneath our conscious awareness.

How do you till our own soil, unearth your weeds, and nurture the ground from which all of your deeds and services spring- yourself?

We are the constant in all our actions and interactions. And the more clear we become, the more our good works can blossom.

I asked some of my instagram followers, “What’s your favorite tool for tilling your mental / emotional soil.”

They replied:

• Friends

• Movement

• Meditation

• Peeling a pomegranate

How do you till the soil of your body mind?

I’d love to see your thoughts in the comments! Let’s build a list !

The Alexander Technique has been the most effective tool for me to till my soil. I never knew an inkling of all the memories, emotions and protective mechanisms that were being held in my body. I just knew I wanted more for myself. Through working with an incredible practitioner, I was able to slowly let go of deep somatic holding, and open myself for more connection, creativity, and flow.

A lot of energy was freed up for me to serve my community, and discover more power in my personal & professional life.

We need to unlearn. re-learn. uncover. and connect.

The 1600 hour Teacher Training unravelled some deep holding patterns, and trained me in the skill of passing on this work.

If you’re interested in this process, feel free to schedule a free consult, and let’s discuss your goals and questions.