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Breath Phonation Practice & Play Structured Breath Vibration & Resonance

Expanding the Exhalation

Stand upright, sensing moment by moment for a dynamic, active alignment in your bones. Allowing for a grounded inhalation between sounds, explore extending the duration of a /s/ or /ʃ/ without compressing the ribs, spine, or throat. Maintain awareness and curiosity about your surroundings as you expand into the sound. Add some voice if you […]

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Breath Practice & Play Structured Breath

Squat Breathing

Begin in a low squatting position. Take a few breaths to feel for release in the pelvic floor and expansion in the lower back, and release a few sighs if it feels good. Begin to explore an extended /ʃ/ sound as press the legs toward straight. Each low inhalation takes you back into the squat, […]

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Breath Practice & Play Structured Breath

Breathing Down/Speaking Up

Stand upright, sensing moment by moment for a dynamic, active alignment in your bones. Starting with a hand near the middle of your torso, bend the knees slightly and drop the palm toward the floor as you allow a breath to drop deep into your belly. On the rebound of the exhalation, count “one” as […]

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Abdominal Release Breath Practice & Play Structured Breath

Dropping the Inhale/Birthday Candles

This exercise is adapted from one I learned from Nancy Houfek. Begin on hands and knees, with the knees under the hips and the hands under the shoulders. Allow the spine to drape downward, releasing the belly to maximize the distance between the sternum and pubic bone. Soften between the shoulder blades. On an exhalation, […]

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Breath Practice & Play Structured Breath

Breath of Fire

This exercise is adapted from a yoga breathing practice.  Begin in a kneeling position with the knees wide. If this is uncomfortable for your knees, it’s fine to elevate your pelvis with a cushion, or practice seated in a chair with your knees wide. Release the belly forward, allowing the spine to gently extend. Practice […]