A Meditation on Breathing and Tension
Breathing is both theory and practice
If we had to, we could live for an extended period without food. We can also survive for days without water. But we can only last a few minutes without air, which is worsened with exertion.
Our bodies are designed to constantly consume and use air. As a result, breathing affects every aspect of our being, from clarity to athletic performance, movement, health, and gene expression. It is arguably our body's most important role.
Breathing is necessary for movement. It can cause tension but also release it. Breathing is also essential for memory and concentration.
Breathing is both theory and practice. We can think about it while doing it.
Your body and breath are linked. If you slouch, you can't breathe well, but if you can't breathe well, it's hard not to slouch. Muscles, bones, and the nervous system support the respiratory system just as the respiratory system supports all the other systems.
If you're nervous, you can't breathe. If you can't breathe, you can't calm down. Breathing regulates or intensifies our emotions. It's bidirectional and synergistic.
Water helps to calm us down and maximizes oxygen utilization in our bodies. Air needs water, and water needs air. The combination of both is our blood.
Normal (quiet) breathing uses the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. Heavy breathing requires the additional use of the upper trapezius, scalenes, sternocleidomastoid, levator scapulae, and pectoralis minor.
You need strength to breathe deep, and deep breathing develops strength. The diaphragm is a muscle that needs strengthening and lengthening.
We understand breathing is essential for stamina, but ease is essential for productive breathing. Tension means you quickly tire out during exertion. Ease allows you to take in more oxygen and channel that oxygen more effectively throughout your body. From the LMA approach, ease, not tension, means strength.
Strength is a skill. Skill comes from proficiency, and proficiency comes from hours of play. Ease means you need fewer breaks, which increases playtime. Tension limits playtime and increases the need for breaks, recovery, and time off for injury and burnout.