Breathing Lessons

Who’d have thought this seemingly involuntary bodily function would be so complicated? Who’d have thought there would be a right and wrong way? Who’d have thought that I have been doing it all wrong for 60 years?

I’ve had monthly sessions for 12 years with Pat, a licensed massage therapist and licensed acupuncturist. It has helped to relieve my stiffness and rigidity from Parkinson’s Disease, temporarily at least.

Things were going well until last week’s session. With a hint of irritation in her voice, Pat stated, “You don’t breathe right.” She questioned me further with “Don’t all those classes you take, teach you how to breathe?” Hesitating before responding, I said, “They often say ‘don’t forget to breathe’ but don’t specifically tell you how to do so.”

Bottom line: I need breathing lessons. As I was leaving the appointment, Pat slipped me a note to purchase the CD called Breathing by Andrew Weil, MD.

Although I’ve always been interested in self-improvement, my method has been hit or miss. I define an area of interest, work on it for about a month, and then life or lack of motivation or Parkinson’s interferes.

In March, I was determined to fill in the missing gaps of my knowledge of high school algebra (which I understand is now elementary school algebra). I purchased three workbooks and completed two of them. And then came April, when I gave up on algebra and became a memoir junkie. I must confess that I’m now addicted, and my favorite memoir is AThree Dog Life by Abigail Thomas.

Last night, after practicing the exercises on Dr. Weil’s, I realize that indeed I can’t breathe properly, and now my ribs hurt as well. I’ll keep you posted on the progress of my breathing lessons.

Comments

[Bob Dawson]

Me too. 60+ years without noticing I breathe. Taking weekly session with Continuum Movement - one essential part of what they teach is breathing and it does wonders for me
There are many therapies out there - different choices - but do yourselves all a favor and find therapy / fun with body, mind, soul -- pills we need so take your meds, but Man does not live by Mirapex alone. And we really don't know that we breathe for life.
Thank you, Kate;; den-mother to us all.