Let Your Nervous System Breathe You

Woman jumping for joy — Breathing fully can reduce pain and tension in your neck, shoulders and back

We breathe about 20,000 times each day. But whether it’s allergies, stress, pain or just habit, most of us don’t breathe fully or easily.

The “Correct” Way to Breathe—There Isn’t One!

Feldenkrais^® is unique among modalities in that it doesn’t prescribe a “correct” way to breathe. Instead, healthy breathing is one that changes in response to your activity, body position, emotional state, etc.

Millions of years of evolution have honed your nervous system to breathe efficiently on its own—no instructions, corrections or practice necessary. The challenge in our busy, modern lives is to get out of the way and let your body breathe you.

Reset Your Breathing with this Short Exercise

Woman breathing fully and easily — Try this simple breathing exercise. (photo by Rosalie O’Connor)

Here’s a quick way to refresh your breathing that you can do anytime, anywhere:

First, without judging or changing it, simply notice your breathing. What’s its rhythm and quality? Which parts of you move as a result of your breath?
On an exhale, breathe out slowly and fully. At the end of your exhale, pause. Instead of inhaling immediately, wait until you feel the impulse to breathe in. Keep it comfortable—you don’t have to wait a long time.
Repeat step 2 a few times.
Breathe normally and notice any differences in the rhythm, quality or movement of your breathing.

If you’re interested in restoring your natural ability to breathe more fully and easily—and reducing muscular tension and pain—I invite you to join my June class, 3 Breathing Secrets that Will Free Your Neck, Shoulders and More! Just think: any improvement will nourish you 20,000 times a day!