We're heading back to pillar #1: nervous system regulation. We're not starting over, we're spiraling. The spiral — one of nature's primary patterns — optimizes growth, strength and energy efficiency. Think sunflowers, mollusk shells and pinecones. Their growth is constant and seamless - they never outgrow the shape of their home and within the spiral, organisms don't need to destroy old structures in order to expand. This is how the pillars feel to me.
Read MoreSpending time in nature is one of the best ways to regulate your nervous system. Without the distraction of screens and responsibilities, we have a moment to catch our breath and notice what's happening inside. Our imagination is amplified because we have more space to "tune in". Which brings me to the 5th pillar in my yoga therapy framework: deep imagery.
Read MoreI’m heading to the wilds to spend a week in my campervan! Spending time in nature is the absolute best way for me to get out of my head and into my body. Did you have a minute to check in and respond to the needs of your body? I did, and one of the things I noticed was a difference in sensation (both physical and emotional) between the front and the back of my heart.
Read MoreWhile I may be a somatic practitioner, I can also be pretty heady. And as many of you know, I love a good framework! These systems give me a lens to see myself through and a way to find insight through that reflection. This week, let’s talk about deep listening - how to get our of your head and into your body!
Read MoreI talk a lot about nervous system regulation and stress management. But feeling centered and grounded is just the beginning. Yes, we all need skills to reign in our stress response so that we feel less afraid, less anxious, and less overwhelmed. But we’re not doing that to get comfortable. We’re doing that so we can actually sustain discomfort and challenge.
Read MoreThere’s a beautiful conversation between one of my favorite poets, David Whyte, and Benedictine monk, brother David Steindl-Rast. David Whyte shares that he is absolutely exhausted. And brother David responds,
“The antidote to exhaustion is not necessarily rest. The antidote to exhaustion, is wholeheartedness.”
Read MoreAs always, I've got lots to share. But I'll ease in with a little self-disclosure....
We all have moments when we feel overwhelmed, and whether it's conscious or not, we make a choice. The overwhelm is uncomfortable so we can either shut it down (check out, numb out, or distract in all the ways) or go into thinking overdrive (get anxious or reactive, ruminate, rant, catastrophize, you name it). But sometimes we open door number three and remind ourselves that there are tools and resources we can use to settle down and get curious about what's actually happening. I had one of those moments a few days ago…
