If you do not have access to a harmonica, please simulate the following process with your mouth and hum.

1. I like to start with an empty set of lungs; exhale to your comfort’s safest content, press the harmonica to your lips, and breathe in deeply.
2. Let the harmonica sing as it shall without worry about any sort of musical pattern.
3. Breathe out slowly just the same (in a new position for a new sound, if you like).
4. The purpose of this exercise is to think not of the harmonica as the source of music, but of your own breath as the source of music, and the harmonica as a vessel for music, just as your body is a vessel for the music inside of you.
5. Try closing your eyes and repeating this process to your heart’s content. I find the more I do it, the more relaxed I feel. So it’s a wonderful way to ground yourself and your sense of belonging.
6. For “hummers,” try placing your free hand over your heart to feel the reverberation of your body as you hum. It always surprises me how soothing this technique.
7. Happy breathing!