Have you ever marveled at how our lungs resemble the intricate branches and roots of a tree? It’s truly uncanny! Just take a look…
I mean…!
Just as trees inhale carbon dioxide and exhale life-enriching oxygen, our lungs allow us to breathe in vital oxygen and release carbon dioxide. We’re so interconnected that we not only share the same air but enable each other to breathe it!
🌳 “As Above, So Below” 🌳
Imagine turning this photo on its side so the “branches” face up and down. It beautifully embodies the old axiom “As above, so below.” Just as a tree’s roots and trunks nourish its branches, the “roots” of our lungs and the “trunk” of our throats support the branching out of our voices. And if photographed, both images would mirror one another above and below.
🌬️ The Breath of Life 🌬️
Trees draw air from their branches down through their trunks and into their roots. Then they draw nourishment from their roots back up and out into their branches and leaves. Similarly, our voices draw the air down into the “roots” of our lungs that nourishes our whole body. Once the air is exchanged, it’s brought back up and out through our throats and translated into sound. I love thinking of the sound of my voice as the shimmying leaves on a tree. When it comes to singing or speaking, the breath is literally the pump that makes the sound go. Once again, our connection with trees is no coincidence!
🌳 Rooting Down To Rise Up 🌳
In yogic philosophy, “Root down to rise up” is a common mantra. Just like in yoga, our voices need a grounded foundation. Imagining ourselves as trees, rooting down through our feet and pelvis, supports our voices to flow up and out.
🔍 Action Step: Take a moment to connect with your breath. Visualize it flowing into the “roots” of your lungs. Then imagine yourself as a tree, deeply rooted through your legs, yet reaching upward through your torso and head. Now play with some sounds, tones, or singing flowing out like beautiful shimmying leaves. Notice how this imagery enhances your vocal presence and empowers your voice.
Keep singing, wild souls, for yourselves and for the whole!
BlesSINGS!
Kimberly
