Learning from Trees - 12 - Release Like a Conifer Cone
apple blossoms beginning to open
Learning from Trees - 12 - Release Like A Conifer Cone
Ribs open like the scales of a pine cone
Based on “Quadrant Breathing” as taught by Prisca WInslow GCFP®
The conifer genus is named in Latin: conus meaning cone and ferre meaning bearing. They are part of the gymnosperms or ‘naked seeds’ family; the “naked” seeds are not enclosed in ovaries in the form of fruit or other coverings.
Those naked seeds are protected by woody structures that we know as pine cones - even if the trees are actually hemlocks, tamaracks, red or white or white-barked pines, douglas firs, cedars, etc.
The woody cones are infinitesimally sensitive to humidity. Seeds are only distributed in the ideally dry conditions. Some species can detect a change of one percent humidity.
Conifer cones seem to breathe as they open and close their scales as the core get wet and dries. The scales open and close in response to humidity as our ribs rise and fall with the breath.
Play at being in conifer cone in this variation of the ‘quadrant breathing’ lesson, where we explore the chest in segments. With fingers interlacing the ribs, feel how the ribs expand and contract with the breath. That alone is very good information.
Taking it further, imagine the pelvic floor pulling the scales open from below. And, like the cone judging the ambient humidity, choose to exhale pressing up from the pelvic floor to press the scales more open. Or let the ribs come back together if it’s just too humid for seed release.
How fully can you breathe? How well do you sense each rib? Could you imagine the perfect day for releasing your little winged seeds?
Science Nerd Candy Bowl:
Pine Cones Opening Time Lapse - Pro Timelapse (1:16)
Piney The Elder. An enormous Coulter pine cone opening - Caleb Crone (0:44)
Pine Cone drying/opening Time Lapse 4K - Petr Ganaj - Time lapse and Nature (0:23)
Dance of the Pine Cones Time Lapse - Siddharth Raval (1:01)
Dissection of a Douglas Fir Cone - Warm Beach Camp (3:22) - the nature girl is just too cute
Flexion and Extension of the Spine -@AnatomyApp (0:42)
Rib Animation During Breathing - Amy Ward Brimmer - (1:02)
Set up for supine lesson:
Mat on floor with room to reach overhead and support for knees and head as needed
Seated on a chair with knees and hips level
How you might feel after this lesson: Experience the ribs opening and closing with the breath; Feel the spine and ribs together; Get a deep, deep breath;