Recently, I had the honor of being interviewed on Madness Cafe, a feminist podcast hosted by Jennifer Balanos and Raquel Howard. They are warm, open curious women. I encourage you to listen to Madness Cafe Podcast, because they host a variety of conversations around many topics concerning women.
If you haven’t listened to my interview yet and are interested: Here It Is.
I personally love listening to podcasts. What I noticed after being interviewed; is the short amount of time available to be able to speak to complex, nuanced questions. Not only that, but being able to articulate the concepts is challenging too. Jennifer and Raquel asked many thoughtful questions of which I barely touched the surface.
This post is Part 3 of my attempt to express more depth to the questions that were put to me.
What is a Somatic Spiritual Companion?
As a Somatic Spiritual Companion, I use the combination of my skill sets, training and life experiences to work with people one on one. This has emerged as my life work. I am a lifelong learner.
Our wounds lead us to our work in the world.
I finished a two year study of Christian Mystics, some Buddhism and social justice just as the social, political and spiritual rupture of 2020 burst open. After years of yoga classes, where I experienced the healing of being in my body; I trained as an instructor. I am a 200 RYT in Hatha Yoga.
I have two certifications through The Embody Lab, where I studied trauma, attachment theory, Inner Relationship Focusing and somatic /embodiment work. I became a Spiritual Companion through The Companioning Center. Currently, I am studying Somatic Experiencing®, a modality for healing that works with the subtle body.
All of these studies, modalities and skill sets guide me as I sit with clients. Each person is trying to find their own way, developing their own understanding and asking their own questions. They may be in life transition. They may be grieving. They may feel alone.
Trusting, what I call, “Life Force” to guide us; we listen deeply together for what Howard Thurman called: ‘The sound of the genuine”, which is within each of us.
I ask evocative questions, guide them deep into their bodies, if they feel safe there and wait. The dynamism between my clients and my nervous systems plus “Life Force” reveals the way for us through time.
We meet either in person or on zoom for an hour.
The gift of Presence is the most powerful gift to give. I am there for my client and more importantly with my client. Healing may come, new narratives, reframing or revelations may emerge. The work is slow and mindful.
Witnessing transformation as it unfolds, is an honor.
Our time together is not about ‘fixing’ the person or ‘fixing’ a problem. It’s about listening to what emerges in the moment. It’s dynamic. It’s a flow. There is a trust in what emerges as what is needed in the moment.
Each of us is a reflection of the Divine. Therefore; we have an innate wisdom within us. Our society has not taught us how to listen to ourselves, our bodies nor our intuition.
Companioning helps us develop those skills.
Having a sense of my own Being, helps me engage with others whether we are in an asana shape, in a breath practice, simply talking or in a deep subtle ‘Felt Sense’ practice. I also love to incorporate art, dream work and symbols into my work with clients, if they so desire.
Through my wounds and healing, I am able to hold space for other human beings. We do not journey in this life alone. We are made for community. I love what Rumi said: “The wound is the place where the light enters you.”
My wounds became my gifting.
Disclaimer:
I do not provide therapeutic counseling, therapy or financial or legal advice. Our conversations are private and are completely confidential. However, I am a court mandated reporter and therefore I need to report sexual, physical, child or elder abuse or any active suicidal threat.
I would LOVE to walk alongside you!
Please reach out, if you are interested.
(Ferns Unfurling, photo by author)
Such beautiful, meaningful work. I think in many ways we are taught not to listen to ourselves and to our bodies. Instead we are taught to listen to how our bodies should be based on what pleases others, what society supposedly wants. Love and care of our bodies and our minds is freedom we were always meant to experience.