Side Breathing and Abdominal Muscles

[Anonymous]

Hi Paul, (I’m reposting to get it in the correct subfolder)
I’ve been enjoying everything – thank you.
Practicing side breathing upon awakening and lying down is much easier. I become aware of what is already happening, effortlessly. The belly goes up and down and by just thinking of filling the sides the breath fills the sides. After a few moments my body wants to take a deeper breath. This morning (with legs bent) I noticed tension in my lower back. I just kept aware of my breathing.

Now standing it’s not as easy – I agree with you! When standing and practicing my alignments and/or breathing should I relax my abdominal muscles?

Do you recommend practicing side breathing during the day whenever I think of it (standing and/or sitting)?

Do you recommend relaxing my abdominal muscles whenever I realize I’m holding them? (This is counter-intuitive to my mother’s voice – tuck in your stomach and stand up straight! And me wanting to make my stomach flatter.)

Thank you for your time in answering!
Linda

[Anonymous]

Yes, yes and yes to your three questions! Relaxed abdominal muscles make space for your internal organs to relax and function optimally. So I’m afraid it’s a flatter stomach and compromised health or a relaxed stomach and increased vitality–take your pick! Of course, during the day, whenever you become aware of your body, you can relax your abs and reinstate your belly and side breathing–whether you are standing, sitting, lying down, moving around or interacting with another human being or your computer!

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