Becoming Present - Chantal Garneau

There are so many times throughout the day when I hold my breath…tighten…constrict…and disconnect.

I pull away from the moment because I don’t feel safe.

Over time this can build up. And I can end up stuck “in my head”.

When I’m stuck in my head I don’t notice cues like being hungry or thirsty, sleep can be disturbed and I’m more irritable and distant from those I love.

What’s beautiful is that whenever I notice my breath is shallow, my jaw is tight, and I’m off in lalaland I can gently smile to myself and find my breath.

By noticing the flow of my inhale and exhale, and choosing long slow nourishing breath I can begin to soothe my system. My shoulders drop. My jaw softens. And I feel like I’m landing in the moment.

Breath is my friend. And can help me find my way back to myself whenever I’m lost.

I’ll be hosting a gentle guided practice this Saturday at 10am.

A space to slow down, breathe, and reconnect.

You’re very welcome to join.

www.becomingpresent.earth/practicecircle

This Sunday I’m speaking at the International Women’s Day Celebration Brunch in Milton.

My talk is called Strength in Connection.

I’ll be speaking to the narrative that glorifies being a “strong independent woman” — the pressure to carry everything alone and to be capable without needing anyone.

And the strength required to move beyond that paradigm. To orient toward community. To ask for and receive help.

I’m grateful to be part of this event hosted by Sara Hodge and the Halton Women Networking Group, raising funds for Halton Women's Place.

Tickets must be reserved by Wednesday evening.

To reserve your seat, please send an e-transfer of $39.55 per guest to:

[email protected]

Include your full name and email address in the transfer details.

Event details are in the comments.

I hope you’ll join us.

Finding our breath and sensing it move through us,

Gently softening our bodies,

and even slightly opening our hearts

is an act of care for ourselves

and each other.

An invitation: pause right now, take a deep breath and think of three people/experiences/things etc you are grateful for.

Continue to breathe long, slow, deep breaths and imagine smiling to each of them and that your exhales carry your love and appreciation their way.

If you notice any tension in your body you can invite it to relax on your exhale.

When you’re ready you can turn your awareness to yourself and smile, sending love and appreciation your way.

When I feel blah this is a practice I do to come back to myself.

❤️🙏🏻💫