I took some time yesterday with this Scorpio new moon energy to reflect on my exhales to take a snapshot of what I am ready to release and what parts I want to release but a "yes, but" monster is not so subtly reminding me it just isn't the time yet. As I focused on my exhales, I witnessed how my emotions, outdated beliefs, and the collective's anger are sticking in my body. 

 

Similar to how we explored the varying elements of rot, release, and spaciousness on Friday's lovely Evening Exhale at Yoga Mandali (thank you to everyone who came out!), yesterday's exhales were vehicles for me to reflect, feel, and witness. And, then keep on breathing. 

 

Here is the pdf from Friday evening in case you want to dig into how the exhale is showing up in your life.

 

Here's how. Pick the word on the pdf you gravitate towards, and as you exhale, name the word. Notice what memories, associations, or feelings come up with the exhale and the word. Feel free to write those noticings down under that word on the paper. Repeat with as many exhales as you would like. 

 

Here's what came up for me when I practiced this with the word spaciousness: 

We will continue to explore the exhale at Slo Breathworks' upcoming Morning Sips & Slow Breaths in Ballston Spa on Sunday, December 3rd from 10 to 11:30 am. Dayanis, who owns DB Trends Boutique where the workshop will be hosted, and I met at an event in April. I recently had the opportunity to explore the space and get to know Dayanis some more, and through that morning meetup, the idea of pairing breaths with morning sips sprouted.

 

The intention for attendees at Morning Sips & Slow Breaths is to play with slow exhales while sipping sustainably farmed coffee and tea to have an additional tool to nourish themselves through the darkest part of the year-end and holiday season. There will be many pursed-lips exhales explored and flavors to be enjoyed. 

This will be another Slo Breathworks' exploration with breathing and beverages. Elixirs & Exhales was on November 4th at Refuge Event Space, where we tasted four alluring Ambrosia elixirs in welcoming nooks, such as the Room of Awakening pictured above. Each elixir was paired with an exhale to accentuate its flavor and energy. What an amazing experience it was, and a reminder of how breathing together with new and old friends alike is the ultimate embodiment of interconnectedness. 

If you are intrigued by the idea of conscious breathing with morning sips, Slo Breathworks also creates a steep and breathe kit. This can make a fun gift for the tea lover who wants to be less mind-full. 

 

The kit includes an antique teacup (each one is unique), two bountiful sachets of Deep Breaths tea from Raven Crest Botanicals, and a hand-painted "breathe" river stone. The breathing element of the kit is made possible through the QR code, which links to a recording that walks you through a slow breathwork flow to enjoy while your tea steeps. 

 

The steep & breathe kits are discounted through November 22nd, when we transition into the finale of exhale season. 

 

Sending extra, slow exhales to you, and those who do not have space to take slow breaths in the here and now, 

 

Sarah 

Slo Breathworks acknowledges the unceded territory of the Haudenosaunee and Mohican from where this newsletter was written. Take a breathe and identify where you are located.