The Power of Breath: How Connection to Core Can Transform Your Body

Breathing is something we do without thinking, but the way we breathe can make a huge difference in how our body functions. When we inhale deeply with proper core engagement, we activate the structural muscles that help create space within the body, allowing oxygen to be drawn in more profoundly. This goes beyond simple diaphragmatic breathing or the techniques used for singing; it’s about using muscle recruitment to build a connection that sets the foundation for communication and harmony between the various systems in your body.

The Role of Inhalation: Building Awareness and Stability

Each inhale is an opportunity to deepen your awareness of how your body connects with itself. It’s not just about taking a breath; it is about creating space within your body. Inhalations are preparatory, priming you for engagement and action. By drawing oxygen into your system in this way, you promote deep core stability, which is essential for supporting harmony within the body systems for appropriate sensory engagement and allowing the body to sense safety within itself.

Exhale: The Power and Connection Behind Action

Where the inhale sets the stage, the exhale is our access to our whole body's power. It is in the exhale that you harness the connection established during your inhale and use it to fuel action. This action is not just about moving your body, but about moving with intention—stabilized and supported by a solid connection to your core and center. The quality of your exhale can reveal a lot about your level of engagement with yourself. Does your exhale just fall out and collapse without control, or does it feel engaged and like a present release that supports the need for your next inhale?

A Simple Experiment to Deepen Your Breath Awareness

Try this exercise to explore how your breath affects your body’s connection:

1. Start with shallow breathing: Breathe into your chest and notice how your system feels. You might feel tightness or unease in your body. Does this feeling resonate with how you feel most of the time? Shallow breathing tends to create tension and disconnection.

2. Now, breathe into your low core: But not your belly—breathe past it, deeper into your core. You may not be able to take as deep of a breath as you would if you filled your belly, but notice how much more connected you feel to your center. Your shoulders and chest may feel more grounded, like they can sit on top of your torso instead of collapsing inward.

3. Let your exhale fall out or collapse: Pay attention to how your body responds. Does it freeze up and feel disconnected, making it harder to initiate the next inhale? This “freeze” can signal a lack of regulation and a disconnect within your system.

4. Engage through the whole exhale: Now, focus on staying engaged throughout the entire exhale. Follow it all the way through until it feels like your next inhale is automatically triggered deep in your core. Complete five full breaths and assess how your body feels.

Does it feel strange? Do you feel light-headed? Or maybe more connected and alive?

Listening to Your Body: The Key to Connection

Your sensory experience during this exercise can tell you a lot about how connected—or disconnected—your body feels. When we breathe mindfully and engage our core, we are not just taking in oxygen; we are creating a powerful, dynamic connection between our body’s systems. This kind of awareness can lead to greater stability, energy, and a sense of well-being.

Next time you breathe, take a moment to consider how you are breathing. Is it shallow or deep? Engaged or disconnected? By being more mindful of your breath, you can start to feel more aligned with your body’s natural rhythms and unlock new levels of strength and connection.