in memoriam - chantal dumas – a certain gentleness

Hello,

I’m interrupting my period of pause in the production of this podcast to share some very sad news.

A good friend and colleague, Chantal Dumas, passed away on May 17th 2026 after a long struggle with cancer. She was 66 and had much more to live and to give.

I invite you to share a moment of silence.

J’offre mes profondes condoléances à la famille de Chantal et à son cercle d’amis qui ont été si présents et fidèle avec elle ces derniers mois.

My deepest condolences to Chantal’s family and to her circle of friends, who have been so present and in solidarity with her these last few months.

In order to commemorate Chantal’s life and her creative work, with her permission, I’ve prepared an English language translation of our September 13, 2025 conversation on balado conscient épisode 170 chantal dumas -  une certaine douceur, recorded in Chantal’s apartment in Montreal.

(field recording of me entering Chantal’s apartment with her ‘big ben’ door chime and a very sonic kiss).

We’ll miss you, Chantal.

A friend once told me that when a loved one passes, one way to honour their memory is to continue the best of their good work.

But I’m not sure how to do this.

What I’ll try to do is keep in mind Chantal’s lived vitality, her kindness, her humour and her unique ability to help us listen to each other and listening to the earth.