DIYoga's first guest contributor discusses the power of breathing as a stretch for the body

This Blog was contributed by Erica Lahti, founder of Where We Stand8|Adaptive Yoga & Mindfulness for Every Body,  and author of The Good Newsletter. 

Erica teaches Adaptable Yoga and Mindfulness grounded in lived experience, trauma-informed care, and deep respect for the healing process. Her practice is built on breath, baby steps, and the belief that everyone deserves to feel safe, strong, and seen — exactly as they are.

Stretches

Did you know that breathing stretches the body? Whether you are

disabled or abled, young or old, it has the same effect and benefits for

everyone.

Intentional breathing, or breath awareness allows us to follow the

breath inside the body. It expands, lifts and settles us and in so

doing it also has the power to relax the nervous system, settle the

mind and open us up to increased clarity and warmth. It's a funny

thing how life-giving breath is, and yet how little attention we give

to it in the throws of actual living.

The next time you're feeling tight and overwhelmed, pull up a seat

and take a few deep breaths. Close your eyes and let the breath

guide you, notice the way it fills your belly, expands through the

chest, lifts your collarbones, your neck and shoulders, then let it go.

Once you're done, go ahead and check off “Stretched” on your list

of accomplishments today and don't forget to pat yourself on the

back while you're at it.