Breathe into Balance
Breathe Into Balance — A Moment with the Department of Social Services
Last month, Living Koko had the privilege of holding space with the Department of Social Services — a gathering not about output, performance or productivity, but about presence.
Together, we created a moment of pause. In a room full of everyday warriors, the tempo slowed. Breath deepened. Shoulders softened. The hum of urgency gave way to the steady rhythm of return — a return to body, to self, to balance.
This wasn’t just a feel-good moment. This was medicine.
We shared two intentional breathwork techniques — one to reduce stress and calm the nervous system, and another to build energy and inner vitality. These tools aren’t just useful, they’re essential. Especially for those in service-based roles who are constantly giving, often forgetting to refill their own cup.
When we breathe consciously, we:
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Regulate our nervous system
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Lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone)
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Increase clarity and focus
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Support better sleep and digestion
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Connect to the present moment
Slowing down isn’t laziness — it’s wisdom. It’s a radical act of self-respect in a world that glorifies hustle. And in those moments of stillness, we don’t just “rest”… we restore.
Through this breath-led experience, we saw masks fall away, even just briefly. The tension in faces gave way to lightness. Minds that had been running finally paused. There was no pressure to solve the world’s problems. Just the invitation to be— wholly and gently.
This is what it means to breathe into balance.
To honour the vessel carrying us through story, service, and everything in between.
To the beautiful humans of DSS — thank you for showing up with openness and grace. Your presence made the space sacred.
And to Penelope Fogarty — thank you for the invitation to share in this moment of slow magic.
With heart and breath,
— The Living Koko Team
