Learning from Trees - 13 - Spiral Open Like A Conifer Cone
pine cones painted with Fibonacci sequence spirals source: YouTube
Learning from Trees - 13 - Spiral Open Like A Conifer Cone
Circle chest and ribs open from the bottom up
Based on “Quadrant Breathing” as taught by Prisca WInslow GCFP®
Fibonacci curve - an expression of the Fibonacci sequence, found throughout nature. source: bbc
Pine cones, pineapples, sunflowers, spiral galaxies, nautilus seashells and human hands share the structural foundation of the Fibonacci series. The Fibonacci sequence is a famous mathematical pattern where each number is the sum of the two numbers that come before it. Typically starting with 0 and 1, the sequence builds indefinitely: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144....
Optimal Packing: Scales and seeds pack tightly and evenly together without leaving empty gaps or overcrowding.
No Collisions: New scales grow at an irrational fraction of a circle using the golden ratio, which prevents overlapping or colliding as the cone expands.
Maximum Exposure & Airflow: The spiral layout ensures every seed-bearing scale gets adequate air, light, and room to develop properly.
Structural Strength: The geometric arrangement distributes physical stress evenly, making the cone sturdier and better able to protect developing seeds from the environment. [1, 2, 3, 4]
The curl of the hand is the human manifestation of the Fibonacci curve. We will follow the image of the Fibonacci-curved, perfectly packed pine cone as we breathe into expanding and releasing ribs. From the feet, round the legs, circling the pelvic floor, and then circling the ribs, imagine opening out. Opening and closing hands will serve as a mnemonic device.
We will also think about the spiral myofascial lines that direct forces through the human body. These lines are not specifically Fibonacci sequenced, at least science has not yet recognized any such math, but they serve as another mnemonic device to sense the flow of breath and energy through the body.
How fully can you breathe? How well do you sense each rib? Can you experience the flow of spirals in each breath?
Science Nerd Candy Bowl:
The Spirals in a Pine cone - The Smart Happy Project (2:31) - happy artist paints many different, sometimes intersecting, spirals of a pine cone
The Hidden Secret Inside Every Pine cone - YouTube shorts (0;56) - pine cones replicate the Fibonacci series found across nature
You Have the Fibonacci Series In Your Hand - @markliamsmith (0:45) - demonstration of the Fibonacci series expressed in the human hand
Pine Cones Opening Time Lapse - Pro Timelapse (1:16)
Places You Won't Believe The Golden Ratio & Fibonacci Sequence Appears - Be Amazed! (11:07) - examples of the golden ratio and Fibonacci curves in nature; Plants explored at 5:07.
Fibonacci Sequence—A Handy Mathematical Approach For Looking At Evolution! - Science Friday - videos embedded in this science lesson
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; Experience the Feel the spine and ribs together; Get a deep, deep breath;