Breathing has often been taught with an emphasis on correctness, as if there were one ideal pattern that universally applies to everyone in every situation. Yet, in my experience as a Somatic Educator, this notion of a ‘correct’ breathing pattern is not only limiting but can also in many instances be counterproductive. Instead, I consider that breath flexibility—developing the ability to adapt your breathing to the unique demands of each moment—is a much more effective way of approaching this vital aspect of life.
The Importance of Breath Awareness
Before we can even begin to explore breath flexibility, it’s crucial to develop an awareness of our current breathing patterns. For many of us, breath is an automatic process that goes unnoticed, yet it holds the potential to influence our physical, emotional, and mental states profoundly. By bringing conscious awareness to our breath, we can start to notice when it becomes shallow, rapid, or restricted, and we can begin to explore new possibilities for how we breathe. This awareness is the first step in cultivating breath flexibility. It’s about recognising that our breath can be much more than a background function—it can become a dynamic tool for navigating life with greater ease and effectiveness. As we tune into our breath, we open the door to understanding its relational nature, which is key to developing flexibility.
The Relational Nature of Breathing
Breathing is inherently relational. It changes in response to what is happening both within and around us. What might be an appropriate breathing pattern for calming the mind in meditation could be entirely unsuitable for powering through a dynamic physical task. Similarly, the way you breathe to support deep relaxation may not serve you in developing concentrated mental focus and engagement. Understanding breathing as relational means recognising that it’s not just about getting air into your lungs; it’s about how your breath interacts with your body, your mind, and your environment. It’s about the way breath supports different states of being and different activities. By appreciating this relational quality, we can start to see why a one-size-fits-all approach to breathing simply doesn’t work.
The Trap of ‘Correct’ Breathing
When breathing is taught as a fixed pattern—whether it’s deep diaphragmatic breathing, alternate nostril breathing, or any other technique—it often comes with the implication that this is the ‘right’ way to breathe. While such techniques have their value, they also risk narrowing the individual’s sense of what is possible. If someone believes they must always breathe in a particular way, they may inadvertently limit their capacity to respond flexibly to the needs of the moment. This idea of a ‘correct’ way to breathe can create a trap. People may become so focused on doing it right that they lose touch with the natural, spontaneous rhythms of their breath. This rigid approach can lead to tension and frustration, especially when the chosen technique doesn’t seem to work in every situation. It’s here that flexibility fin breathing steps forwards and offers a new alternative, inviting us to develop a more adaptive and responsive relationship with our breath.
Breath Flexibility: Enabling an Effective Range of Possibilities
As a Somatic Educator, my focus is on expanding the range of possibilities available to the individual. Rather than locking someone into a particular pattern, I encourage the development of breath flexibility—the ability to shift your breathing in response to changing circumstances. This approach allows the breath to become a more powerful tool for supporting the whole person, not just a mechanical process of respiration. Breath flexibility means having access to a broad spectrum of breathing patterns, each suited to different contexts and purposes. It’s about being able to breathe lightly or deeply, quickly or slowly, with sound or in silence, depending on what the situation calls for. It’s about being attuned to your body’s needs and adapting your breath to support those needs.
The Physiology of Breath and Flexibility
From a physiological standpoint, breath flexibility involves the harmonious interaction of various muscles involved with the breath, including the thoracic and other diaphragms, intercostal muscles, and even the muscles of the neck and shoulders. When we limit ourselves to a single breathing pattern, we may overuse certain muscles while under-utilising others, leading to imbalances and excessive tensing. By cultivating our flexibility in breathing, we can change this by promoting a more balanced use of our muscles, enhancing not only our respiratory efficiency but also our overall physical well-being. This balanced use of the muscles involved in breathing can also contribute to better posture, reduced tension, and a more relaxed state of being. It also supports the efficient exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, which is vital for maintaining energy levels and overall wellness. By understanding the physiology of breath, we can appreciate how breath flexibility serves as a foundation for both total wellbeing
Breathing as a Dynamic Support System
As a person changes—whether through personal growth, shifts in physical activity, or simply moving through different phases of life—their breath may need to change too. New experiences often require different forms of engagement and support, and the breath is one of the most immediate and adaptable ways we have to provide that support. For example, someone who has always relied on shallow chest breathing might find that as they develop a greater sense of calm and presence, their breath naturally deepens. Conversely, someone who has trained themselves to always breathe deeply might discover that in certain situations, a lighter, more surface-level breath is more appropriate. This adaptability is at the heart of flexible breathing and is crucial for living a dynamic, responsive life.
The Psychological and Emotional Dimensions of Breathing
Our emotions have a direct impact on our breathing patterns—when we’re anxious, our breath may become shallow and rapid; when we’re relaxed, it tends to slow down. By developing flexibility in our breathing, we gain the ability to consciously shift our breathing in response to our emotional state, helping us release ourselves out of the experiences of stress and anxiety more effectively. This not only supports our mental wellness but also enhances our ability to navigate our lives with greater ease. Breath flexibility is not just about optimising performance or achieving relaxation; it’s about cultivating a dynamic relationship with ourselves. It’s about enabling our breath to evolve along with us, providing the optimal support for whatever new experiences come our way. By understanding and practising this flexibility, we can better manage our emotional responses, leading to greater psychological effectiveness and well-being.
The Freedom of BreathPlay – PranaLeela
This is why, in my teaching, I place a strong emphasis on playfulness and exploring breathing. Rather than rigidly adhering to a specific method, I invite individuals to explore the expansive range of their breath potential. This exploration can help them discover which patterns feel most supportive in different contexts, enhancing their ability to navigate their lives with comfort, ease, and grace. BreathPlay, or PranaLeela, is about infusing our breath with a sense of curiosity and exploration. Instead of rigidly following a prescribed technique, we invite playfulness into our practice, experimenting with different rhythms, depths, and sounds. This playful approach can be particularly liberating, allowing us to transcend the search ‘correct’ breathing and instead discover what feels most natural and supportive in each moment. For instance, you might try humming as you exhale, or playing with the timing of your inhales and exhales to sense how it influences your mood and energy levels. By embracing BreathPlay, we open up a world of possibilities for how we can use our breath to support our well-being and growth.
Long-Term Benefits of Breath Flexibility
The development of flexible breathing offers benefits that extend far beyond the immediate moment. Over time, cultivating a dynamic and adaptable breath can lead to improved respiratory capacities and capabilities as the muscles involved in breathing become more balanced and efficient. Emotionally, become developing our flexibility can enhance our ability to adjust our mood, helping us navigate our experiences in life with greater ease and enjoyment. Perhaps most importantly, breath flexibility is a practice that can evolve alongside us, supporting our growth and adaptation as we move through different phases of life. As we encounter various new experiences in life, our breath can become a reliable companion, helping us stay centered, focused, and aligned with our greatest capacities and capabilities. In this manner, breath becomes not just a tool, but a companion in your journey of growth and self-discovery. By embracing breath flexibility, you open up a growing world of possibilities for how you can live, move, and experience your life. The dynamic nature of breathing in this way allows us to not only meet the demands of the present but also to evolve with the future, ensuring that we are always breathing in a way that supports our highest potential.
If you’d like to explore how you can start to develop your own flexibility with your breath here is a simple introduction using this link to our free starter course a Taste of SomaBreathe
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