Fitness and fascia expert Jill Miller posted an interesting take on the expression “from the bottom of my heart” for this year’s Valentine’s Day. Since the bottom of the heart rests on the diaphragm, the heart literally moves with the breath. As our hearts are moved emotionally, so we breathe. And a loving thought allows for a full, deep breath.
“I love you from the bottom of my heart, which is of course, my diaphragm.
I can think of nothing more lovely than the cascade of feels that comes along with synching my breath with a loved one. Whether that loved one is my child, husband, pet, singing partner or group of students.
Anatomically speaking, the cardiopulmonary connection is direct and inescapable. The heart rests within the apex of the diaphragm, engulfed by a fascial cloak that’s sewn into the very fabric of the famous breathing muscle.
Your heart spins its blood at a pace dictated by your nervous system’s sensing of pressure rising and falling as the diaphragm descends and ascends during each and every breath cycle.
Above your heart, a harness made of hyoid muscles and fascial scalene tendrils suspend the heart from above. Within this upper soft tissue anchor, your voice is chambered and ready to respond to the feels constantly pulsing from below.
Synchronize your breath today with your beloved….the whoosh of wind in the leaves, a favorite song, a pet, friend or lover. This is the literal language of love.”