Breath

I like the idea that a newborns’ first breath is their first movement/action they take on this earth. “It is exactly at this moment they carry the beginning further and start the earthly life, a long-lasting process of inhalation and exhalation as a constant movement.” I also like the idea that breath is dance. I like the idea that involuntary actions can be dance. I like the idea that dance can be pedestrian.

As I lay next to my loved one, I witness the action of their breath. Looking at their back, I see their ribcage expand which stretches their skin, on their inhalation. And on their exhalation their ribcage shrinks back down. I see the rise and fall of their side body through breath. It, breath, is a fluid and elegant movement. As I lay next to my loved one, I place my hand on their chest. Their inhalation and exhalation moves my hand through space, slightly up and slightly down, creating a little dance. Our bodys are now in contact, moving together, simultaneously to the beat of their breath. Lastly, as I lay next to my loved one, I close my eyes and open my ears. I listen to the soft, breezy, low-pitched sounds of their breath. Their inhalation and exhalation slowly creates a tune in my head and suddenly, I want to dance. The sound of breath inspires me to move.