Abdominal Breathing Direct

"There it is," Grandpa whispered. "Now, hold that air for just a second... and let it out through your mouth like you’re blowing a wish onto a dandelion. Watch the balloon flatten."

Leo took one last deep, abdominal breath, felt his whole body sink into the mattress, and finally, he fell into a deep, peaceful sleep. abdominal breathing

They did it again. In through the nose, belly out. Out through the mouth, belly in. "There it is," Grandpa whispered

Grandpa sat down beside him. "You’re breathing with your shoulders, Leo. That’s 'scared breathing.' Let’s try 'mountain breathing' instead." Watch the balloon flatten

He guided Leo to lie flat on his back. "Imagine your belly is a big, colorful balloon," Grandpa said softly. "When you breathe in through your nose, don't let your chest move. Instead, try to blow up that balloon in your stomach."

Leo closed his eyes. He took a slow breath. At first, his chest rose, but Grandpa placed a hand gently on Leo’s stomach. "Send the air down here," he encouraged.