This lesson will build upon previous vocal and breathing exercises, focusing specifically on nasal breathing and its impact on overall sensory experience. The lesson will successfully integrate theoretical knowledge of nasal anatomy with practical, experiential learning.
In the theoretical section, students will gain insight into the structure of the nasal cavity, including the different pathways for airflow and their relation to other facial structures. They will learn about the importance of nasal breathing for overall health and well-being, as well as its potential effects on sensory perception. This foundational knowledge will prepare them for the hands-on exercises to follow.
During the practical portion of the lesson, participants will:
By combining anatomical understanding with experiential exercises, students will achieve a more nuanced comprehension of nasal breathing and its effects on the body and mind. This approach will foster a deeper connection between students and their respiratory system, enhancing their ability to control and refine their breathing patterns.
The lesson will lay the groundwork for improved breathing techniques, greater sensory awareness, and a more profound appreciation for the complexity of the nasal respiratory system. Students will leave with enhanced self-awareness and practical tools to continue developing their nasal breathing skills, setting the stage for improved overall well-being, relaxation, and sensory perception.
Furthermore, by incorporating playful exploration of different nasal pathways and their effects on sensations and smell, students will develop a more holistic understanding of their sensory potential. This may lead to increased body awareness, improved focus, and a greater sense of connection with their physical and mental states. The focus on alternating between different nasal channels will provide concrete examples of how small adjustments in breathing can create significant changes in overall experience, empowering students to use their breath as a tool for self-regulation and enhanced sensory awareness.
Ultimately, this lesson will help students unlock new dimensions of their sensory experience, enabling them to navigate their inner landscape with greater clarity, poise, and self-awareness, potentially leading to improved overall health and well-being.
Welcome back, curious learners! In our previous lessons, we discovered how the position of our tongue and jaw affects the way we pronounce vowel sounds. Today, we'll be diving into another fascinating aspect of our body: nasal breathing! Through some engaging exercises and observations, we'll learn about the different pathways in our nose and how they can impact our senses and well-being. Get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure into the world of nasal exploration!
Have you ever noticed how the air feels different when you breathe through your nose compared to your mouth? That's because our nose is like a magical maze with special pathways that help us breathe, smell, and even feel different sensations! Let's find out more about this incredible part of our body.
First, let's watch a short video that shows us the structure of our nasal cavity and how air flows through it.
[Play video: "Tour of the Nasal Passage" https://youtu.be/m5vDsPUpOGg?si=-axcGd-XAabWqrNj ]
Now that we've seen the amazing anatomy of our nose, let's explore it further.
1. Our nasal cavity is divided into two sides by a thin wall called the septum. Each side has its own set of pathways for air to flow through.
2. At the base of our nasal cavity, there are two main pathways called the inferior nasal meatus. When we breathe through these pathways, we might feel the air moving in the lower part of our nose and towards the back of our throat.
3. Near the inside corners of our eyes, there are two other pathways called the superior nasal meatus. When we breathe through these pathways, we might feel the air moving in the upper part of our nose and towards our sinuses.
4. By focusing on breathing through different pathways, we can experience different sensations in our face, mouth, and even our sense of smell!
[Display diagram: A cross-section of the nasal cavity, showing the different nasal pathways and their location relative to the eyes, mouth, and throat.]
Take a look at this diagram. Can you see how the nasal pathways are arranged inside our nose? It's like a secret map that helps us understand how the air moves through our body!
But wait, there's more! Did you know that practicing nasal breathing can help us feel more relaxed and focused? When we breathe through our nose, the air is warmed, moistened, and filtered before it enters our lungs. This can help us feel more comfortable and energized!
Try focusing on the lower and upper pathways and notice how it feels!
Wow, the world of nasal breathing is truly fascinating! The next time you breathe, pay attention to how the air feels as it moves through your nose. Experiment with focusing on different nasal pathways and see how it affects your sensations and sense of smell.
In our upcoming lesson, we'll practice some exercises to help us improve our nasal breathing and unlock the full potential of this incredible part of our body.
Get ready to become a master of nasal exploration!
Hello everyone! Today, we'll be embarking on a fascinating journey of self-discovery, focusing on the intricate relationship between nasal breathing and our overall sensory experience.
Through a series of gentle exercises and observations, we'll explore how different nasal breathing channels can affect our body sensations, facial expressions, and sensory perception. By developing a deeper awareness of these interconnected elements, we'll work towards enhancing our breathing control and sensory awareness.
Remember, this is a process of exploration and learning, so let's approach it with curiosity and an open mind.
Are you ready to begin?
Before we start, let's record a vocal reference so that we can compare the quality of your voice now with it at the end of the lesson.
Let's pretend you are hired as the professional voice talent for a fictional audiobook.
Here is your paragraph.
"In the quiet evening, the small waves gently talked to the sandy beach. Each word was clear and floated easily through the cool air. As I listened, the soft sounds of the waves mixed with the whispering leaves, making a beautiful song that made me feel calm and happy about the world around us."
Let's say it a couple more times and listen to how your voice resonates.
What kind of action is involved if you decide to say it louder?
What changes in your torso, breathing, face?
How loud can you get without straining?
And how would you know if you're straining?
Now, observe what is involved in saying it really quietly.
What happens to your breath?
What happens to the muscles of your throat, your jaw, your face?
Notice if the sounds flow smoothly together or if they're a bit disconnected and choppy.
What is the connection between the flow of the breath and the flow of the sounds?
Pay attention to the relationship between the amount of air that you store in your lungs and the requirement of speaking out the entire paragraph.
Don't worry if you can't find the answers right now.
What's important is that you look for the answers.
Record yourself on a phone or computer saying this paragraph and once you're done lets begin the lesson.
1. Lie comfortably on your back and observe how different parts of your body contact the floor.
2. Focus on the sensations at your heels, lower legs, thighs, hips, back, and arms.
3. Pay attention to how the back of your head touches the floor.
4. Notice your breathing patterns and which parts of your body participate in the process.
As you observe your breathing, notice the gentle rise and fall of your chest and abdomen. Feel the air moving through your nostrils and into your body.
5. Feel the sensations in your face, around your lips and eyes.
6. Observe any differences in the muscles around each eye.
7. Sense the position of your tongue and the pressure of your teeth.
8. Feel your nose and the way air travels through your nostrils, entering the skull.
9. Imagine the structure of the nasal cavity and its openings.
Picture the intricate pathways of your nasal cavity, with its various channels and passages. Imagine the air flowing through these channels as you breathe.
10. Breathe through your nose, focusing on the sensation of air passing through different nasal channels.
11. Try to direct most of the airflow through the two lower channels at the base of the nasal cavity.
12. Use these sensations to locate these channels relative to the roof of your mouth.
13. Notice how your torso moves as you breathe through these lower channels.
14. Shift your breathing to the two top channels near the inside corners of your eyes.
15. Focus on improving your sense of smell by directing air through these top channels.
As you breathe through the top channels, notice any changes in your sense of smell. Do certain scents become more prominent or distinct?
16. Pay attention to the sensations in your face and mouth, particularly the soft palate, as you shift breathing patterns.
17. Rest and observe your habitual breathing channels.
18. Bend your knees, standing your feet, and return to breathing through the two lower channels.
19. Notice subtle changes in your facial expression, eye use, mouth, and head position as you breathe.
20. Shift the airflow into the two top channels again, noting how you make this shift.
21. Memorize the sensations associated with breathing through these top channels.
22. Alternate breathing between the two top and two lower channels with each breath.
23. Explore how to make these shifts easier and clearer.
As you alternate between the different breathing channels, observe how your body and mind respond to these changes. Notice any shifts in your overall state of awareness and relaxation.
24. Rest on your back, sensing changes in your face, mouth, tongue, and overall contact with the floor.
25. Repeat the process of breathing through different nasal channels and observe any improvements in clarity.
These questions can be asked during the activity or at the conclusion.
Remember the audio recording we did before the start of the lesson?
Here is the paragraph again.
"In the quiet evening, the small waves gently talked to the sandy beach. Each word was clear and floated easily through the cool air. As I listened, the soft sounds of the waves mixed with the whispering leaves, making a beautiful song that made me feel calm and happy about the world around us."
Recite it a few times in a standing position. Pay attention to flow of breath and how whether or not the sounds are smoother and more effortless.
Play around with volumes and go over the questions review the questions you might not have had the answers to before the first time.
Finally, record yourself saying the paragraph and once you're done, compare the quality of your voice now relative to the quality you had before doing this lesson.
Great work today, everyone! You've just taken a significant step in enhancing your awareness and control of nasal breathing.
Take a moment to reflect on the sensations you experienced during the exercises and any new insights you gained about the relationship between your breathing, body sensations, and sensory perception.
Remember, by becoming more attuned to these interconnected elements and practicing conscious breathing, you can cultivate a deeper sense of presence and well-being.
Keep exploring, stay curious, and most importantly, enjoy the process of discovering the power of your breath!
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