“Am I doing it right?”
Pause.
A squat, a lunge, a rotation, “am I doing it right?”
I don't know when or how, but one day there came a time when we became obsessed with doing things the “right” way. This simple but immense question has been a source for me to unravel my own teaching point of view from one that was filled with rules…to one that is soft, ever-evolving and exploratory. I believe in sharing my knowledge of science but using that purely as an offering. You are one amongst billions. I am one amongst billions.
How could we all possibly take the same pathway to a destination? How could one pathway be right, insinuating that everything else is wrong? Isn't it a ludicrous thought?
Well, I thought it was until I caught myself asking that very question.
At my Retreat in Topanga, Catie Macken, led us through the most powerful breathwork experience of my life. As we laid on our mats, blankets covering our toes, there was a jittery sensation in the air as none of us knew what was coming next. Catie is a lionness. One could make that statement just by viewing her hair alone but beyond her gorgeous physicality, Catie possesses the ability to nurture her “cubs” with tender ferocity. Entering her orbit feels like stepping into the safest space imaginable which is crucial when entering a breathwork portal that is often scary, unpredictable and unknown.
2 breaths in through the mouth
Belly, chest, exhale
Belly, chest, exhale
Belly, chest, exhale
“Am I doing it right?” The question that I've been consciously attempting to rewrite for so many immediately presented itself. I caught myself giving that question energy and suddenly, it felt like hands were pressing down on my throat and chest. A feeling of panic flooded my system.
In that moment, Catie reminded us of the individuality of our experience. She told us that you might laugh, you might cry, you might scream, you might become hot, you might become cold, your body might shake and find various shapes. Her voice was just the thing that I needed to calm the panic that had swept over me. In that moment she reminded us that whatever happens during this breathwork was real - although intense, we were held. The question, “am I doing it right?” became irrelevant.
I fell into her guidance and began to surprise myself by the power and endurance of my own breath. I'd love to remind you all of something. I am a teacher by profession and use the power of my voice daily to communicate with thousands of you. Sitting in silence, not verbally communicating, becoming in tune with my own breath? OOPH.
There came a moment when I felt this rush – almost like an ocean wave swept through my body.
In that moment, I was hit with a sense of clarity that I can only describe as astonishing. I saw two things. The first was that Catie had to come and be a permanent part of Range so that she could share her gifts with you. The second was the title of every single song I should play in Jitterbug. I'd love to remind you that up until that point, I had never taught Jitterbug in person so I was very nervous that I wouldn't be able to hold space for people to really unleash during the experience.
My god, was I wrong. For those of you who were there for that Jitterbug, holy shit. It was the the Breathwork that provided me with the sense of security and power to carry us through.
For many of us, movement feels like a language we can understand and embody. As children, it looked like going outside to play. As we got older, it looked like playing sports or being involved in some movement activity. As adults, it looks like “exercise”
But the Breath?! Hell, there are over 10,000 of you on this mailing list who might be reading this and thinking to yourself, “have I ever actually consciously breathed before?”
Though we already have plans to expand Ritual into a category of it's own, I'd love to provide you with 3 words for each of the 5 current breathwork sessions within Ritual. Catie and I hope that you weave these into your life just as you've done with movement. We also look forward to sharing more about the simple rituals that we embrace daily to create magic within the mundane.
SLEEPY TIME TEA / deep, restful, sleep
MORNING ESPRESSO / smooth, energetic, illuminating
COFFEE IN BED / luxurious, settling, expansive
CUP OF CALM / natural, melodic, focused
SMOOTH MOVES / digestive, bouncy, nurturing
Happy Breathing.
Announcements
August 27-30th - I will be in Maine soaking up the last of summer with my family. Though I will be away from Live Classes for a few days, I will be leaving you with our Structured Movement Offering just as I do every week!
September 14th - NYC friends, I'm coming for you for one night to celebrate the accomplishments of a dear friend of mine. Jitterbug in person, maybe?! Details will be released soon but I wanted you to Save The Date!
OPEN RANGE - It was my original plan to host an Open Range week in August but through conversations with so many of you, I've decided to hold off until September. Enjoy the softness of summer friends. For those of you who have been curious about Range but haven't joined us yet, be on the look out for September!
3 THINGS
1. Tea, Remembering The Essence Of Life
You’ll be hearing me talk about this book a lot in the near future. I walked into Two Dawson in Littleton, NH and it was as if this book was placed here for me. I gifted this book to Catie, too!
I recently got all new underwear. Yes, a riveting topic! I am so happy a few of you recommend ODDOBODY to me because the company truly does align with Range.
You all know how I feel about tea’s and herbs. I’m so happy to have included Heilbron Herbs into my daily rituals. Taken directly on the tongue for grounding, emotional support. Motherwort, rose, mimosa flower.
3 SONGS
Disorder, Freak Slug
Waltzing Back, No Vacation