Breathe.

I forget to, sometimes. Usually just when I’m dancing. I’ll take a breath, and then forget to let it out.

Breathe.

I never realized it before. Or perhaps I never used to have this problem. I was always amused when other dancers got that correction, because I wondered, “How on earth can you forget to breathe?”

Breathe.

But ever since starting at this new studio a week ago, I’ve gotten that correction. Repeatedly. “Breathe, Allison!” she’ll call out, from across the room. “Don’t forget to breathe!”

Breathe.

Apparently I have this awful habit of taking in a breath… and then just holding it at the top. I’m aware of it, now that she’s pointed it out several times. It is, now, so easy to just forget to breathe for a little while.

Breathe.

So I’ve started a new habit. My way of being aware of my breath. As I’m standing at the barre before each and every exercise (on both sides), I exhale. Let it all out. It acts as a reminder, to breathe.

Breathe.

Little corrections, big corrections. Each and every one helps me improve – and oh, has the improvement been vast, even after only a week. I love it.

I just have to keep remembering to…

Breathe.