The trouble of shallow (breathing)

[drkgoddess]

In running, and yoga, and meditation, I am confronted with the fact that I am a very shallow breather.  I do not know how to remedy this. I need a tape, a cd, a dvd, or something structured to structure improving my breathing.  Anyone have any recommendations? Pretty please?

Comments

[cassiopia]

Talk to Lucinda. All I've learned recently about my breathing has been from her sessions at the Grove. I bet she could recommend something.

[skywind8]

I agree, check with Lucinda. That said... make sure you have the muscle flexibility in your back, lower back, and belly, to allow you to easily expand your lungs. This might mean doing a few weeks of daily stretching, especially if you have previously done strength training without stretching. If the muscles can move, and if you are not anxious, deep breathing should happen as a reflex without conscious awareness.

Also, if you want to build muscle for breathing, consider getting a wind instrument (flute, panpipes, tin whistle, bird whistle, saxophone, trumpet, whatever), and dedicating time daily to playing it. Having sound gives your brain something to learn from, and a goal for continuing to put effort into it. Long, steady, slow notes are good breath practice.

[penangrain]

during yoga instead of counting the holds on a position or listening to the instructor tell you "when," count the number of breaths.