Sanctuary within Ourselves
Peer support worker with the HSE in Mayo. Health & Wellness coach. Freedive instructor. Samaritan listener.
The aim of the interactive presentation is to help people find a safe space within themselves by claiming or reclaiming the power of their own body. Part of this presentation involves an experiment but one which I know the outcome of for most of the participants. Participants will learn about autogenic training, what happens to all mammals when we hold our breath and how we can improve the length of time spent in this state. As facilitator I will be conscious of the trauma some people may have experienced around their body and the difficulties that may be experienced around trying to reclaim this safe place and experiencing silence. The presentation will have trigger warnings for this reason. The experiment is designed to get people to hold their breath for as long as they can and then repeat the process having attained some knowledge and skills using relaxation and breathing techniques. Most people will see an increase in their breath hold capability. This will lead to the rest of the presentation around how with a little information and effort, big changes can happen, that we previously believed were impossible. This leads to the mantra of being more physically active and that some is better than none. Being more physically active can lead to greater physical confidence which can lead to better mental health. If time allows the physiological benefits of activity on mental health will be explored, along with how these can be incorporated within the community, so we benefit from social interactions as well.