In my last post, we took a look at what we’re actually trying to accomplish when we sit down to meditate. TLDR (too long, didn’t read?): Complete embodiment is impossible. Dissociation is normal and healthy. And mindfulness meditation is a means to train ourselves to be more embodied and present, which can have some prettyContinue reading “yoga teachers: are we teaching presence or inviting dissociation?”
Category Archives: Movement
will movement cure your anxiety?
If you’re someone who works with anxiety, you already know how overwhelming it can be. This is especially true for folks with a history of trauma, but anyone can find themselves being swept up in anxiety. Anxiety might feel like: We may have heard that movement can help with anxiety. In my experience with myContinue reading “will movement cure your anxiety?”
Perception is Embodied (but what does that mean?)
Of course, we all know that each of us sees things a little differently. For example, if you’re lactose intolerant (or a vegan), dairy ice cream looks very different to you than it might to someone else. If you were bit by a dog as a child, then you don’t see them as the sameContinue reading “Perception is Embodied (but what does that mean?)”
what is bilateral stimulation?
In 1987, Dr. Francine Shapiro went for a walk. As she walked, she noticed that her eyes were moving from side to side, and that some disturbing thoughts she’d been having were easing. She said: “The thoughts weren’t as bothersome. I wanted to see if it would work if it was deliberate, so I broughtContinue reading “what is bilateral stimulation?”
working hard is not the same as suffering
I’m going to say something a little revolutionary here: it’s possible to work hard without feeling absolutely terrible. I think our culture gets this confused a lot. We think that if we are working hard, it should feel and look like we are working hard. Furrowed brow, sweat, exertion, maybe some angry noises. Does thatContinue reading “working hard is not the same as suffering”
awakening intuition through embodied practice
Our intuition is our gut instinct, our deeper knowing, Jung’s “perception via the unconscious,” which guides us when logical information isn’t enough. In my last blog, we discussed the ways in which our unconscious mind and body collect information that our conscious brain may not track. While some of this may feel relatively simple (suchContinue reading “awakening intuition through embodied practice”
intuition: perception beyond the conscious
Have you ever met a new person and felt an immediate sense of unease or distrust– something about them just doesn’t feel “right”? They are saying the right things, perhaps your friends or co-workers even like this person, but there’s something inside of you that’s telling you they’re not okay. Or maybe you’ve had theContinue reading “intuition: perception beyond the conscious”
things not to apologize for:
to your movement/wellness professional (yoga teacher, personal trainer, coach, etc.) I wrote this post the other day after a few sessions with clients who have a deep-seated apology habit– even when there’s nothing to apologize for. I always express that there’s no need to apologize, and that my job is to help this process feelContinue reading “things not to apologize for:”
what is hypervigilance?
and how can we work with it in the body? Have you ever found yourself feeling really jumpy, or on edge– for days, or weeks at a time? For some folks, this can become so common they don’t even notice it anymore. Hypervigilance is an enhanced state of sensory sensitivity and reactivity. Our nervous systemsContinue reading “what is hypervigilance?”
do isometric contractions freak you out? here’s what to do.
Isometric contractions are a popular (and powerful) choice for mobility & strength work. They’re incredibly useful as a tool to both expand and strengthen ranges of motion. They teach the brain to recognize and respond to areas of our body where we may have limited awareness. They’re a brilliant strategy for stabilizing joints. And theyContinue reading “do isometric contractions freak you out? here’s what to do.”