Extract from Paul Linden Book

In the next few weeks I will be publishing extracts from master somatics teacher Paul Linden’s new book. Available HERE.

…………………

Walt Kelly, the cartoonist who created the Pogo cartoon, once said, “How sharper than a child’s tooth is a thankless serpent.” Sharper than either a child’s tooth or an ungrateful snake is a tense tongue.

I would imagine that you haven’t spent much time noticing, feeling, or studying your tongue. It just sort of lives in your mouth. It’s the kind of thing we all mostly ignore. However, it does have some importance in your daily functioning.

ICK & AHH:

Count out loud from one to ten, and notice what parts of your body are involved in breathing and vocalizing. More than noticing just what parts move, notice how they feel as they move. Are your lips and tongue tense? Do you speak in a sharp or clipped manner? Do you speak in a languid,
flowing way?

Now, try saying out loud “Rat guts, ick!” And for contrast say “Ice cream, ahh!” (If you don’t like ice cream, choose something that you do like.) Say “ick” and “ahh.” Feel how your throat and mouth tense when you say “ick” and how they get softer and more open when you say “ahh.”

The expressions “ick” and “ahh” are very interesting. They simultaneously signify and actually create the body processes of repulsion and enjoyment. “Ick” has sharp edges and creates constriction. “Ahh” has round edges and creates softness. Is your usual style of using your tongue, lips, and throat more like ick or more like ahh? The way you are perceived by other people is greatly influenced by the degree of tension or relaxation in your tongue. Try letting the back of your tongue, deep in your mouth and throat, soften and relax. Try speaking that way. How do you sound? How do you feel?

SOFT TALKING:

Not only is your general personal style reflected in your way of vocalizing, but particular topics of discussion also influence the way you speak. Try talking aloud of something about which you have strong feelings, perhaps something that makes you angry or afraid. How does your
voice change? What do you feel in your tongue? Most people will notice tension in their voice and tongue.

Now, try letting your tongue stay soft and relaxed as you speak again about that same topic. What do you feel when you take care to talk about a difficult subject while keeping your tongue relaxed? Most people will find that the relaxation in the tongue spreads to create a more relaxed state of the whole mindbody.

Paying attention to the physical sensations of your tongue can do a lot to help you reduce the stress of daily life.