A breath token is a breathing exploration that I develop for friends & clients and send out as a gift.
Slo-Mo ball in the back
I have a Slo-Mo ball in my car and when I drive I put it between my back and the seat, at the height of the middle back. This is where the thoracic spine meets the lumbar spine, approximately opposite the tip of the sternum. And it‘s also where the lumbar part of the diaphragm connects to the lumbar vertebrae via the right and left crura. Crura means „leg“ or „pillar“ and these tendinous pillars, one either side of the spine, literally help to hold us up. It‘s easy to imagine how tense they can get, through breathing restrictions and postural compensations which, of course, go hand in hand.
With the Slo-Mo ball in my back, I can feel the movements from driving, little bumps in the road, going round corners, etc. At the same time I make gentle movements from side to side, releasing a little bit forwards away from the ball and leaning backwards into the ball. All this relaxes and softens this transition area and the most crucial part of the diaphragm for the interaction of breathing, circulation and digestion .
So, hopefully when I arrive, I‘m breathing really well, meaning that there is more space for breathing, more softness, more tone in the back, so that the breath can flow freely.
You could also use a pillow or a blanket instead of the Slo-Mo Ball. Enjoy.
Benefits I experienced were:
– I noticed tension in the front of my belly, in the area of the solar plexus, and that I‘m slightly collapsed there
– lengthening in my back
– more easy uprightness
– smoother breathing
– composure
There are surely other benefits for you to discover. If you have any questions or feedback please contact me.