Cultivating Body Trust: A Journey of Radical Self-Love

May 27, 2024

In a world inundated with diet culture and fat phobia, reclaiming body trust can feel like a radical act of self-love. Reconnecting with your body means recognizing it as your ally, not an adversary. Hilary Kinavy and Dana Sturtevant’s book, Reclaiming Body Trust: Break Free from a Culture of Body Perfection, Disordered Eating & Other Traumas, outlines the foundations of Body Trust, including working the edges of your comfort zone, finding community, observing with kindness and curiosity, embracing imperfection, and honoring your resources. These principles help you return to your body, your home.

Similar to a meditation practice where getting distracted and losing focus is common, cultivating and healing body trust comes from repeatedly returning to these foundations, no matter how often you stray from the path. It’s about acknowledging that straying is part of the process and that each return strengthens your connection with your body.

Reclaiming body trust is a personal and ongoing journey. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories. Your body is wise and resilient. Trust it, collaborate with it—it’s your lifelong companion.

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Breaking the Habit: Overcoming People-Pleasing Behavior

May 13, 2024

People-pleasing can become a silent burden, stifling authenticity and leading to resentment. But breaking this habit is possible. A few ways to do that is by setting boundaries, practicing self-compassion and challenging perfectionism.

Setting Boundaries

You are defining what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior from others, as well as what you are willing to accept and prioritize in your life. Setting boundaries is not about building walls but about creating healthy limits that foster respect and understanding in your interactions with others. It’s a way to honor and prioritize your well-being while also respecting the well-being of those around you.

Practice Self-Compassion

What would it look like to recognize that your worth isn’t tied to others’ approval? Your value comes from within, and by practicing self-compassion, you are nurturing a strong and resilient sense of self-worth that is independent of external opinions. Celebrate your uniqueness and allow yourself to shine brightly, knowing that you are enough just as you are.

Challenge Perfectionism

Embracing imperfection as part of growth allows it to be a natural part of the learning process. Every mistake we make is an opportunity to learn and understand ourselves. 

Remember, changing habits takes time and effort. Celebrate every win, be patient with setbacks, and surround yourself with supportive individuals who value your true self. With time and practice, your authentic self has space to emerge and engage in more meaningful connections.

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What is Somatic Ecotherapy?

May 9, 2024

Somatic Ecotherapy tunes into the inner wisdom of the body and senses and involves integrating the outdoors and the natural world as a mechanism of healing and transformation.Being outdoors has many benefits including stress reduction, relaxation, improved mood, a greater sense of peace and increased self-confidence. Somatic Ecotherapy helps create a sense of stability, grounding and connection, and can help contain and transform difficult and powerful emotions and experiences.

Through practices such as mindfulness, breathwork, and body awareness, Somatic Ecotherapy encourages individuals to listen to the subtle messages of their bodies and tap into their innate wisdom. This process not only helps in managing stress and anxiety but also cultivates a deep sense of presence and self-acceptance. By embracing the outdoors as a sacred space for healing and transformation, Somatic Ecotherapy offers a holistic approach to well-being that addresses the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. It is a gentle yet powerful modality that honors the resilience and healing potential that lies within each of us.

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Navigating Mother’s Day Grief: Finding Comfort Amidst Loss

May 6, 2024

Mother’s Day can be a vivid reminder for those grieving their relationship with their mom. The absence of something gets your attention and it’s both upsetting and confusing. Acknowledge your emotions; it’s okay to feel what is present for you. 

There’s a lot of pressure to have the relationship with your mother look or be a certain way. Give yourself permission to not be hard on yourself. Instead, practice some self-care and self-compassion. Take time for self-care; engage in activities that bring solace and comfort, whether it’s journaling, meditation, or a leisurely walk. If it’s available to you, surround yourself with supportive friends or family members who understand and validate your feelings. Reach out for professional support if needed; therapy can provide a safe space to explore complex emotions. 

Remember, grief can be mysterious, distressing, and complicated. Be gentle with yourself and take time to learn and understand how you experience grief in your mind, body, and heart.

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The Magic of Breathwork

April 29, 2024

Breathwork is an essential practice that can have numerous benefits for both the mind and body. By focusing on our breath, we can improve our overall well-being by reducing stress, increasing mental clarity, and promoting relaxation. Incorporating breathwork into our daily routine can help us cultivate a sense of calm and balance in our lives. Whether through a simple pause to notice your inhale and exhale, deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga, taking the time to connect with our breath can have a profound impact on our physical and emotional health.

So, remember to take a moment each day to breathe deeply and mindfully, and experience the transformative power of breathwork.

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Respect for Every Body

April 22, 2024

In a world where societal standards often dictate how we should look and feel about our bodies, the concept of body respect shines as a beacon of empowerment and liberation. It is not just about physical appearance; it’s a movement that encourages individuals to embrace their bodies in all forms, shapes, sizes, and abilities. It’s about honoring and respecting our bodies for all that they do for us, rather than focusing on unattainable ideals perpetuated by the media and diet culture.

Body respect invites us to challenge harmful beauty norms and embrace diversity and inclusivity. It encourages us to reject the notion that our worth is tied to our physical appearance and instead celebrate the uniqueness and individuality of every body. Through body respect, we can foster a more positive and inclusive relationship with ourselves and others, promoting self-love, safety, respect, and acceptance, free from judgment and discrimination.

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Safety and Comfort: Building a Stable and Secure Connection

April 15, 2024

In any relationship, whether it be a romantic partnership, friendship, or family bond, safety and comfort are essential foundations for building a strong and lasting connection. Feeling safe with someone means being able to express your true thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment or harm. It involves open communication, honesty, and trust.

Comfort in a relationship goes hand in hand with safety. It means feeling at ease with the other person, being able to be yourself fully, and knowing that you are accepted and loved for who you are. Creating a space of comfort allows both individuals to relax, let their guard down, and truly connect on a deeper level.

When safety and comfort are present in relationships, it fosters a sense of security and stability. It enables both parties to support each other through challenges, celebrate successes together, and navigate life’s ups and downs as a team. Cultivating these qualities requires empathy, respect, and a willingness to understand and support each other’s needs.

Ultimately, prioritizing safety and comfort in relationships lays the groundwork for mutual respect, emotional intimacy, and a sense of belonging that can withstand the test of time. It paves the way for genuine connection, growth, and a shared sense of fulfillment that enriches both individuals’ lives.

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Reclaiming You: The Value of Rest

April 8, 2024

In a fast-paced world where hustle and grind are often glorified, the value of rest is often overlooked. Rest is not merely the absence of work; it is a crucial component of overall well-being and productivity. Taking time to rest allows our bodies and minds to recharge, rejuvenate, and refocus. It is a time to relax, reflect, and restore balance in our lives.

When we prioritize rest, we give ourselves care and love. Rest is not a sign of weakness but a sign of wisdom and strength. It is a way to honor our bodies and minds, recognizing that they need time to recuperate in order to function at their best. By allowing ourselves to rest, we can prevent burnout, reduce stress, and improve our overall health and happiness.

Whether it’s taking a nap, spending time in a hobby, or simply doing nothing at all, give yourself permission to rest guilt-free. Remember, rest is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Let’s make time for rest and experience the benefits it brings to our well-being.

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Somatic Experiencing®: Healing Trauma and Stress

April 1, 2024

Recognizing how past traumas and stress affect the body can be a valuable resource in resolving the symptoms of stress and trauma. One of the core tenants of somatic-oriented work is that the body possesses its own wisdom and can lead us towards healing if we listen to it.

Somatic Experiencing® (SE) is a technique that assists individuals in addressing and releasing stored trauma in the body. By focusing on bodily sensations and physical experiences, SE aims to regulate the nervous system and restore a sense of safety and equilibrium. SE commonly includes methods like body scanning, where individuals tune into different body parts to identify tension, and grounding exercises to foster connection and presence in the moment.

Incorporating somatic healing into daily life can be a powerful practice. Simple activities such as mindful breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or gentle stretching can help individuals maintain a connection with their bodies and enhance a feeling of calmness and well-being. By integrating somatic practices into your routine, you can develop a deeper understanding of your body and emotions, promoting resilience and self-care.

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The Power of Connection: Nurturing Adult Friendships

March 25, 2024

Adult friendships are a vital and rewarding part of life, offering support, companionship, and shared experiences. I know what you are thinking, they can be really hard too!  As we navigate the complexities of adulthood, maintaining strong connections with friends can bring joy, laughter, and a sense of belonging but also a mix of other feelings as well.

The need for these relationships at this point in time is so important even with all the feelings that go along with it. These relationships provide a safe space to confide in, seek advice from, and simply relax and enjoy each other’s company. Whether bonding over shared interests, celebrating milestones together, or providing a listening ear during tough times, adult friendships play a significant role in our emotional well-being.

Cultivating these friendships requires effort, communication, and mutual respect, but the bonds formed can last a lifetime. If you got ’em, cherish your adult friendships and nurture them with care, for they are precious connections that add more depth and richness to your life. If you are open and looking for new friendships, I’m cheering you on! It can be hard to meet and connect with people. You got this!

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