I’m reading a book about breathing called “Breath” by James Nestor, and it has me thinking a lot about the way I breathe. I’m on chapter 6 out of 10 chapters, and I’m learning a lot about breathing. The book makes some bold claims about how proper breathing can improve health in many ways. It also talks about how different cultures have treated breathing. For instance, the book says that Native Americans taught breathing only from the nose as the key to healthy living. We often hear jokes about how someone who is a “mouth-breather” is lesser than. The book shows examples and scientific studies that show how breathing from the nose decreases heart rate and lessens susceptibility to disease. I’m currently trying to master this as I exercise, but I always feel like I’m choking for air. When I was in college there were different exercises for singers and for wind and horn players where we were supposed to walk a certain number of steps as we inhaled and then walk a certain number of steps as we exhaled. Just a few of these cycles would almost make me pass out, so I never did much of this. I did learn to breathe from my diaphragm which is very helpful for a singer. I’m not sure that this has made me any more relaxed or lessened my chance for illness - especially after having Covid twice in just three months. After the 10 chapters of the book there are a series of breathing exercises and techniques in the book that will be interesting to try. I’ll let you know if they make any difference in my life. How about you? We hear often about the benefits of deep breathing. Do you have any stories or experiences in your life where breathing techniques have helped? Are you interested in reading this book too?
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What have I been up to?
I had 13 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed all of them. I was definitely spent after some of these days with so many hours of playing - particularly because some of them were still doing high-energy Irish tunes that take more stamina. I love playing for these folks though!
My Wednesday online show was doing Spring songs since the first day of Spring was just the day before. It was very well-attended, and I think everybody had a great time.
Saturday I played a birthday party for a real sweetheart of a gal who has been at a couple different facilities I play at. Happy Birthday, Tosh! Then the memorial get-together that I played for on Saturday evening was very bitter sweet. The woman was a long-time friend and fan who will be definitely missed. Her family and friends are just the best.
My Sunday online show was back to favorites and requests after the previous Sunday’s Irish show for St. Patrick’s Day, and it was also well-attended with some old friends and new faces. These nights can really be special. You can always watch the after the show if you’re interested. They’re posted on Facebook here facebook.com/TomMunchFans/ and on my website here tommunch.com/online-concerts.
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What am I up to this week?
I have 8 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to them all. We have some snow today, so sometimes it’s not as easy getting out and about to them, but that usually doesn’t stop me.
My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs I haven’t done for my online shows before, and I always enjoy doing what I call “never done” songs for my group. Some of these songs are real gems that are so satisfying to share. Come on out if you’d like to be part of it.
My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. I often say how special these evening are, and I expect this week will be the same kind of high. You are always welcome to tune in too. I’m sure I’ll do a few Easter tunes as well since it’s Easter Sunday.
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That’s it for this week. I find myself think about breathing constantly through the day while reading this book. Am I breathing through my nose? Am I taking deep or shallow breaths? Do I feel relaxed through my torso and shoulders? It’s fascinating!
Best,
Tom
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Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing an online concert of “never done” songs
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts
When: Wednesday, March 28, 7-8:45 pm mountain time
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts
When: Sunday, March 31, 7-8:45 pm mountain time