15/04/2020
Kia ora koutou, greetings to one and all.......I have been pondering on what I could share to support you during this period of lockdown and beyond. If you have visited my page, thank you however you may have noticed that I rarely post anything. Honestly, the main reason for that is not really knowing what to post especially in terms of Ortho-Bionomy. There are many websites, articles, pod casts, posts, information etc. regarding Ortho-Bionomy available. It is fantastic to read, listen, see and know Ortho-Bionomy practise is happening locally, nationally and internationally.
When I was first introduced to Ortho-Bionomy, I heard a word that was used often (and still is) in terms of Ortho-Bionomy. That word is "comfort". It is not surprising given that one of the Ortho-Bionomy principles is "move towards ease of comfort".
Two questions always stood out for me that the tutor/instructor asked, even before laying a hand on the person and periodically throughout the session -
(1) Are you comfortable?....Is this position comfortable?
(2) What are you noticing?
I too adopted those questions due to having had experience on the table, and somehow figuring out that from within my "comfort zone" I responded, or not. Whilst studying to become a Practitioner I also came to appreciate and accept that any answer or response given, or not, was okay.
It is during this period that you could perhaps spend time noticing or observing when your breathing is in a comfortable rhythm. For me, breathing is like the rhythm in sound/music. It doesn't matter how many other instruments are playing, what other sounds/noises beyond the music are happening, voices etc. I find comfort in listening to my rhythm of breathing and if I choose to, I can consciously then engage in the surroundings. I realise there may also be a number of different rhythms however as a starting point, my breathing is the most important one. Sometimes I block my ears or put hands to the side of my front ribs and just notice. Even when out running I wear ear plugs during windy days as my ears are sensitive to the wind, however I love the fact I can now choose to listen to my breathing and/or heartbeat. Gosh not that I haven't listened to music whilst running/walking, it's that once I wore the ear plugs I left the music at home.
The reason I mentioned those two questions and shared part of my learning is that for me, the one gem that I hold dearly in terms of Ortho-Bionomy is......My Breath of Comfort". I share this so that you too may know "self-comfort" through breathing comfortably. Watch a baby/child sleep and notice the effect of comfort it brings (notice your breathing).
What is (My/Your) Breath of Comfort? That is the learning....Ask those two questions sometime during the day.
Just observe what you notice.
However when you notice discomfort......how do you support yourself in breathing more comfortably?
If you do notice discomfort.....
Breathe whilst looking at anything other than who, what, or whatever you are uncomfortable with.....Want to walk away to another space, then walk and find comfort in doing that.
Keep the focus on the looking at something and just breathe as comfortably as you are able. Close eyes if more comfortable.
If comfortable, drop your mouth open and if sounds come out that's okay, otherwise continue to breathe with mouth closed.
If you are able and it is comfortable, place your hands on the sides of your ribs.
If you prefer to lay down to be more comfortable, do so.
Just breathe as comfortably as you are able.
Allow the breathing to just be.
Surrender to its rhythm and tone.
Slowly and surely........
Reconnect with My Breath of Comfort from within.
Be safe, be well, be loved,
Nga mihi
Adelaide
