Am I totally nuts or aging like a badass?

73 years old and on a pulmonaut’s journey. Including a ton of Shim Sham practice, 3–5 times a day for 7 weeks. Why not?

Totally nuts or aging like a badass?

I’m nearly two months into this previously unplanned experiment as a pulmonaut-in-training. Desire moved me to see if I could improve my long-impacted stamina. I’m really sick of dropping activities from my life because they become too hard (swimming, running, hiking, and most lately dancing).

The longer I go, the more I’m astonished by what’s shifting. Goals I hadn’t consciously considered before keep taking hold. These desires are front and center right now:

• Enough lifespan to teach my 1-year-old grandchild cherished family card games and recipes
• Stamina that allows me to partner dance again without getting winded
• More time enjoying life, being of service, and feeling good in my body

Some of the new habits and activities I’m doing daily:

• Sleeping with a little piece of tape that keeps my lips closed
• Breathing through my nose as much as possible
• Doing breathing exercises of many kinds
• Using a diaphragm-training device
•…