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Part 2 - This second part of our Surviving to Thriving series delves into the survival responses of shutdown, collapse, freeze, and depression. These states represent one end of the nervous system spectrum,
Part 1 - Our nervous systems are brilliantly wired, molded over millennia, guiding us through life's ups and downs, keeping us safe, and increasing our chances of survival.
While “mobility” doesn’t have a formal definition, it comes from the Latin word movere, meaning “to move”. Most dictionaries define it as “the ability to move or be moved freely and easily.”
“Trauma” has become a buzzword in our culture, which has diluted its meaning. Many of us are left wondering: what is trauma actually, and further, what is it not?
Last month, I had the opportunity to talk with Suzanne O’Connor on Prince Edward County’s The Grapevine radio show about what somatics is, my journey into somatics, and how somatic work transforms trauma.
In a world where mindfulness is often touted as the key to a balanced and fulfilled life, we overlook the profound power of the heart. What if, instead of focusing solely on the mind, we directed our attention towards our heart?
In a culture that deprioritizes authentic connection, the importance of cultivating healthy and conscious relationships cannot be overstated. Our wellbeing is profoundly influenced by the quality of our connections with others, because at our core, we are relational beings. It is through relationships that we find joy, intimacy, love, and fulfillment, and without them, we lose touch with the essence of our humanity.
In our fast-paced world, filled with constant distractions and demands, it can often feel like we’re constantly chasing presence – a moment to smell the roses. Yet, presence is not just a fleeting moment; it is a profound engagement with your life and deserves our full attention. By working towards being fully present, as often as possible, we can deeply connect with ourselves, others, and our surroundings, experiencing everything with embodied awareness.
Here at The Messina Movement, we’re all about transparency as we support you on your unique journey towards embodied wholeness. As a somatic (body-based) and relational therapy practitioner, a trauma recovery coach, educator, group facilitator, yoga and pilates teacher, and mobility specialist, there’s a lot of expertise I can pull from to support you along your journey. In the health and wellness world, especially as a small business owner, we end up wearing so many hats in addition to our expertise – from HR to PR, social media to scheduling, event planner, accountant, and everything in between.
At The Messina Movement, we believe that achieving true health requires more than just physical well-being. To genuinely heal and thrive, we must attend to every aspect of our being: physical, energetic, emotional, mental, spiritual, and relational. This holistic approach, which I call "whole being health," recognizes that each part of ourselves is interconnected and vital to our overall well-being - no part is left behind!
In an effort to encourage transparency and authenticity in our culture, and to build trust, this blog aims to highlight my unique experiences and qualifications, as well as to share where my qualifications are limited so you can make the best decision for your well being based on what is most relevant to you.
When we say no to something, we’re saying yes to something else, & vice versa. It works both ways. Consider this: have you ever experienced a time when it felt really hard to say no to someone or something, although deep down, you really wanted to? This can be hard...
Both talk & somatic therapy have a similar goal - to support one’s mental & emotional wellbeing; however, they differ in their focus & methods.
The popularity in both somatic modalities and psilocybin to support mental wellbeing are growing. Here we discuss the the possibilities of their powerful partnership.
A somatic process can be likened to going on a nature walk, where one sets out for the sheer goal of exploration, led by a compassionate & supportive guide . Similar to wandering through the woods, the path to healing is non-linear - an important thing to keep in mind.
Somatic therapy, also known as body-based or body-oriented therapy. It's the idea that our bodies are like storage units for all of our unresolved traumas.
Understanding how to apply ATTUNE in our relationships is crucial. By engaging in this work, we create safe spaces for others to authentically express themselves, fostering a ripple effect of support & connection.
ATTUNE is an easy-to-follow roadmap & guide that you can apply when navigating any sort of challenge or difficulty in your day-to-day life. Here’s how the acronym applies to our intrapersonal relationships.
I think it’s safe to say we all want healthy relationships. We want to be with people who truly love us for who we are & who we’re becoming. People that allow us to be the person we need & want to be. People who meet us where we’re at on our journey. And we want to be able to offer all of this in return. Would you agree?
What does embodiment mean to you? It can sometimes be hard to define broadly because it’s active... embodiment is a living experience from deep within, unique to each of us.
When was the last time you had an experience that felt new, nourishing, & nurturing?
Understanding is about recognizing that we’re all uniquely the way we are because of our life experiences & our histories, which differ from person to person. Here’s how you can begin to deepen your understanding of yourself.
Turning toward is the way back home to our authentic selves. Our systems will only regulate when we do the work to make the return back to our whole selves, & most importantly, feel safe & supported throughout the process.
Our capacity to navigate life’s ups & downs changes depending on whether our zone is contracted or expanded. Our window of tolerance is either small or large, all depending on a variety of factors — trauma contracts the window, healing expands it.
Are you living life on autopilot? Do you wake up and immediately go into action? Here’s a practice for you.
When we are able and ready to engage in the work and practices that welcome all aspects of ourselves home, we remember and experience ourselves as whole, exactly as we are, in every moment.
This time of year still affects my whole being, even though I'm years removed from the yearly school calendar. There's a shift in late August that signals an ending of summer's freedom, of summer's play…
Have you heard of “June Gloom?”
It's a term used in Southern California for a weather pattern that produces less-than-ideal conditions in early summer.
The era we've been living in reminds us of the importance of self-care. I’m not sure I love this compound word as it suggests that caring for myself is a DIY (or do-it-yourself) endeavour.
Homeostasis for the Holidays: Return to Regulation
We’ve all heard the phrase home for the holidays, but no matter where you find yourself this season, there’s another kind of homecoming waiting for you—the return to your inner home.