How I Held

Comment je l'ai tenu

[ENG]

In Summer 2025, Holding, Release was included in DARE-DARE's programming and installed in a public park in Montreal as its first iteration. During the installation, participants shared different ways in which they held.

The following audio features selected texts shared by participants.

[FR]

À l’été 2025, Holding, Release a été présenté dans la programmation de DARE-DARE et installé dans un parc public à Montréal pour sa première itération. Pendant l’installation, les participant.e.s ont partagé différentes façons de tenir.

L’audio qui suit présente une sélection de textes partagés par les participant.e.s.

(Transcription ENG/FR)

Sweet, spicy, harmonious scents. But the bottle is warm. A scent of fear, confusion, but mild excitement. Like the unknown or dangerous love. I felt a lot of things, and I hope that harmony takes over and all pieces come together in love.

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Just to know that we are connected without being together strengthens both our hearts. May we all find release, love, and peace, and never lose sight of how others feel.

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This felt like family. Lost, found, recovered, created.

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J’ai tenu avec attention et tendresse, j’ai tenu à l’écoute de ce qui fait du bien au corps et au cœur. J’ai tenu en guise d’espoir.

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I walked around the trees and felt a bit scared. And then released you with the help of the gazing eyes of a squirrel.

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I held briefly but with intention. Release? Who's to say? The act of holding for the sake of the act. Perhaps hopeful.

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J’ai tenu cette bouteille comme j'aurais tenu une urne. Avec mes deux mains près de mon cœur, avec une part de malaise, mais beaucoup de respect.

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It felt like a hug from my gram, so comforting.

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I held you in the wind, among the waving grass and the clovers.

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Les grands espaces. Les horizons. Voir loin. Arriver de loin.

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Doucement avec les caresses et la tendresse.

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J'ai senti l'énergie de ma maman décédée me remplir le cœur.

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Heartbeat by heartbeat, we hold and release, sometimes reluctantly, but with love, much love.

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J’aimerais pouvoir évoluer dans une société qui valorise la légèreté, c’est ce qui me soutiendrait.

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La mer sur le sable.

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You are so much stronger than you think. I held you just enough for you to remember the tough bitch that you are.

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Avec calme, empreinte de curiosité, sans jugement et l’intention de comprendre.

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It's okay to not want to be here. Remember that you are loved.

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It felt like a favourite old book that I come back to every season, teaching me the same timeless lesson, over and over.

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Patiently, I listened and held your pain. I whispered, it will not be like this forever. The way that the bottle shifted in my palm.

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Holding stillness and peace, the calm breeze floating over my skin.

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I was feeling the warmth of the sun as it shone on my face. I felt a lot of care, gentleness, love, understanding, and forgiveness coming for myself.

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J’ai demandé au vent d'alléger ton poids en le répartissant dans l’air.

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Je l’ai tenu sans jugement, sans lui parler dans son dos, et surtout je n’ai pas peur du bel avenir qu’elle aura.

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For Brenda: Autumn will always remind me of you. I love you forever, and miss you every day. Love, Kae.

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I released the things that keep me from seeing the humanity within myself and others.

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I tried not to cry, but instead open my mind and wrap my thoughts around you, wherever you are. I want to give you a hug. We can hold this together. A squirrel is on the roof. I think it supports us, too.

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Texts Read by / Textes lus par : Salima Punjani and Fili 周 Gibbons