In this video I describe the science of breathing, and guide you through two simple breathing practices to induce a parasympathetic or resting state in the nervous system. I use a Hoberman sphere to demonstrate breathing and our innate internal rhythm.

When you are in a state of internal coherence, your brain waves sync with the electrical activity of your heart. Coherence represents a state of mind-body connection and flow, in which every cell of your body is involved in respiration. When you inhale, your cells become enriched with Oxygen and you expand; when you exhale, your cells release Carbon Dioxide and you release or settle. This video helps you tune in to your breath's natural rhythm, and teaches how to use your breath as a tool to relax and move toward coherence.

Note that breathing exercises should be done with care and in consult with your doctor, particularly breathing exercises that involve breath retention. If you have trauma related to breathing, these exercises may not feel appropriate for you. I invite you to take good care of yourself and your body.

Chapters:

00:00 Breathing together
00:35 Settling in and overview of what this video includes
00:58 Science of breathing, parasympathetic and sympathetic effects
2:10 How we can use the breath as a tool to find coherence
2:38 Description of coherence as it relates to breathing
4:01 Exploring your natural breath and somatic experience
5:20 Intro to breathing tools to shift into parasympathetic/relaxation
5:42 SOMATIC SKILL: Lengthening the Exhale exercise
8:09 Overview of 5-7-8 Breathing, and how and when to do it
9:49 SOMATIC SKILL: 5-7-8 Breathing exercise begins here