On hindsight, breathing has indeed been a constant issue to me across multiple disciplines in my life. As a competitive swimmer from young, each breath was always short and quick; just enough to fill my lungs and hold out for the next few quick strokes. It seems probable that I ‘learnt’ that my maximum breathing capacity is limited to my lungs from this very sport I have picked up since childhood.
As a cross-country runner in secondary school and JC, my running coach used to tell me that my breaths are too shallow and fast paced. The correct breathing technique for running should be to inhale using the diaphragm at a 2:1 duration ratio, with the inhalations taking 2 strides and the exhalation taking just 1. I never could figure out how to breathe into the diaphragm.
Frequently in pole dancing, I would also tend to hold my breath unknowingly because nailing the tricks would always be my priority. Little did I think about the fact that without breathing properly, my muscles would not be able to last as long nor perform at their optimal levels.
I went for a singing class once and even then, the instructor had pointed out that I did not breathe in using my diaphragm and therefore found it difficult to hold and control long notes.
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During meditation this 4th YTT weekend, I noticed that I was able to find the adjusted posture much more easily and hold it without fidgeting as much. Jessica also commented that my right shoulder was raised significantly less. My back muscles ached less as well.
I attribute this progression to my conscious effort over the weeks on and off the mat. Because I realised that what was going to really make a difference was not just that few hours on the mat during YTT classes, but was instead the awareness of what my body is doing at any one time and the conscious effort of the minute adjustments in my daily life (eg. sitting habits, standing postures, the way I exert strength when I pole, etc). All these may seem like little things, but they add up significantly and are often underestimated.
I was also finally able to take proper full breaths, and could actually feel my diaphragm being filled up. Inhalation duration has lengthened significantly and even exceeded my exhalation duration when I do focus on my breathing, and I was able to maintain a steady inhalation for a full ‘Omm’ in the soundtrack that is played during meditation.
Experiencing these 2 improvements in my body greatly encouraged and motivated me. Onwards to more personal progress and breakthroughs, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant they are, or how different they may be from others’.
Melissa
200 Hour YTT Feb-May’21
