MUSCLE TAROT: XIII THE DIAPHRAGM

The muscle of execution and change. Ruled by Air, nothing can rise out of the mind's memory without full, deep exhalation. The representation of Death, a great winged creature, the Owl, shows us how nothing can rise up without first expelling any and all limitations. (This includes any emotional attachments that limit the mind's eye from achieving awareness). Raptors must lighten their loads before they can embark on new directions. They are the classic representation of the diaphragm.
This is the most Inspiratory muscle......where all Inspiration arises from. In Tranquil Respiration, it is the one and only muscle brought into action. It quiets the mind's chatter, removes the need for stress induced movement, and follows the rise of limitations as they take flight. Not dragging them back down into the body, known as the adrenalized flight or fight response.
The key to "relaxed" breathing is the ability of the thoracic cavity to enlarge from Above, and push from Below. Allowing the abdominal muscles to work in harmony and unison with the diaphragm. Compressing the abdominal viscera to the lower part of the abdominal cavity. The diaphragm now becomes relaxed, and convexed. The chest cavity is now forced open form the sides: 4th rib, on the right side, 5th rib, on the left. This is where the focus of "Death-Change" can occur. As one can allow the eyes to move upward through exhalation. The eyes can be used as wings....following the breath pattern: Inhalation: (down),
Exhalation: (up). To further this experience, one can raise and lower the arms, (at the shoulders) by following the pattern of the eyes. There are three leaflets in the diaphragm...furthering the experience of rising and falling. This is the internal ebb and flow of life within. Mastering this...makes shallow breathing and adrenaline junkies obsolete! And this IS how the "Oxy Breath is accomplished...just add eyes!
Key Attributes: 1). Change 2). Inspiration
3). Potential 4). Relaxation 5). Direction
6). Navigation 7). Discernment 8). Awareness