Catching the Breath

The phrase "catch the breath" must be coupled with the phrase "reverse the air." Basically, we
are speaking of breath in and breath out.  When oxygen enters the lungs, the vocal cords open
to allow the air in.  The cords close for a fraction of a second.  Oxygen is converted into energy
for the body to use.  The cords open again, and carbon dioxide goes out.  Yet, it is at the point
where the vocal cords close, in the midst of this cycle of respiration, that we sing.  So, when we
"catch the breath" and "reverse the air" we are talking of a mental/visual participation in the
natural cycle of breathing wherein we do not interrupt the flow.  Maybe you have heard of
catching a ball and immediately throwing it back.  This catching and throwing can be done in a
quick or slower rhythm.  This idea of catching and throwing (or launching) is helpful for our
vocal tone (muscle and air) to stay natural and keep moving without pushing or holding.