Breathing happens on its own, but we can also pay attention to it. That makes the breath a useful place to begin when we want to feel more connected to our bodies.
Notice the support beneath you
I begin by talking about the diaphragm and the movement of the belly as we breathe. We can become so used to holding our abdominal muscles tight that we forget to notice this movement.
In the seated exercise, I bring attention to the feet on the floor and the sitting bones on the chair. The first part is simply to notice those points of contact while allowing the belly to relax.
A little imagination helps
On the inhale, I describe a gentle downward feeling, as though you were laying an egg. It’s a playful image. On the exhale, I imagine a fountain moving up through the center of the body and out through the top of the head.
These are images for directing attention, not a description of where air travels. The feeling is gentle rather than effortful. In the video, I repeat the sequence slowly so you can follow the rhythm.
I finish with the thought that your imaginary egg can be any kind you like. There is room for a little humor in practice, too.
Keep breathing comfortably without straining or bearing down. Stop if you feel dizzy or uncomfortable; ask your healthcare professional about breathing practices if you have a relevant medical condition.
Notes adapted from Judith’s spoken demonstration. Watch the video for the full explanation.