By Ariana Vincent, LMT, MTI, NCTMB CE Provider
My journey with stretching and breathing practices began in 1979 when I joined a meditation group in South Austin and started practicing yoga with my friend Riki Dunn at the YWCA. Through those early experiences, I discovered the powerful connection between breath, movement, and overall well-being. Regular stretching and conscious breathing helped reduce stress, ease physical discomfort, and support a healthier lifestyle.
Over the years, I have explored many different approaches to stretching and breathwork. One of my favorite weekly activities is attending Hatha yoga classes with Manu Verma at Hills Fitness Center. His classes combine breath, movement, sound, and meditation in a way that leaves me feeling refreshed, grounded, and deeply transformed.
I have also found great value in restorative yoga, a gentle practice that emphasizes stillness, mindful breathing, and prolonged stretching. This form of yoga provides an opportunity to reconnect with the body, calm the mind, and cultivate inner balance.
Beyond yoga, I have benefited from Somatic Experiencing sessions with psychotherapist Miriam Klotz, who trained under Dr. Peter A. Levine, founder of the Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute. Through body-centered awareness, breathwork, and guided imagery, I learned techniques that helped release stress, process emotions, and develop lasting self-care practices.
These experiences have enriched both my personal life and professional work. They have strengthened my ability to support others through physical discomfort and emotional challenges while helping me maintain balance, resilience, and joy in my own life.
Breathing can be practiced on its own, but it is also an essential component of effective stretching. Conscious breath anchors the mind, enhances body awareness, and allows muscles to relax more fully into each movement. Stretching and breathing work together, creating a foundation for greater flexibility, reduced tension, and improved well-being.
As we begin exploring specific stretching techniques, it is important to first understand the power of the breath—the bridge that connects the body, mind, and spirit.
