experience mind and body in a safe, affirming space

Somatic therapy

What is “somatic”? Soma is the body. Somatic therapy means we are exploring emotional experience through the body — sensations, movements, and awareness in the body and then integrating into our mind. It may be as “simple” as “where do you feel the emotion in your body?” Simple may not be easy. Building an awareness of the body may not be easy for many reasons, especially in the case of trauma, feeling detached, discomfort or pain - so we approach incrementally and in various ways to build safety and ease. Neurological research shows that trauma is experienced in the body and not easily accessed from our more analytic mind - this approach can help us uncover what might feel like “illogical” emotional experiences.

Meditation

Group practice

Everyday 8-8:30 AM CST on ZOOM Meditation with the Mindful Breath Community. All are welcome to join a daily practice of sitting meditation online. You can drop into as many or as few sessions as you like.

About the Mindful Breath Community: Mindful Breath Community was formed in 2014 at the University of Chicago. It is a practice group based in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. We also include teachings of other spiritual teachers. Mindful breath is a peer-led group, with a focus on supporting and growing community, and exploring ways that the dharma can be applied in our daily lives. We support diversity and inclusion and welcome people of all faiths, cultures, races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ages and abilities. Beginners are welcome! 

Individual practice

If you would like to learn meditation through individual sessions, reach out. To begin, I recommend to start with small amounts of time and build - we can discuss what fits your life and how to integrate mindfulness in ways that work for you.

Yoga

Currently I offer yoga through individual sessions.

Restore and realign mind and body using a combination of mindfulness meditation, gentle yoga, restorative yoga, yin yoga, and relaxation techniques. Based on your individual needs we will also discuss mental wellness with an awareness of trauma informed practice. 

Gentle Yoga includes simple yoga postures that coordinate breath and movement as well as some very gentle stretching.  

Restorative yoga is a practice of constructive rest. Supportive positions with props, bolsters and blankets are held for longer periods of time, 5-10 minutes. It is “sensation neutral.” Its intention is for deep relaxation. 

Yin Yoga is stretching into the myofascia, connective tissue of the body. This is involves finding the edge of intense sensation and holding it 3-5 minutes.  

About my yoga & meditation practice

Meditation and yoga is a practice in mindfulness with intentions to restore connection with our bodies and the present moment. I offer trauma-informed yoga and meditation and like to share how to keep your practice empowered for yourself.

My practice in yoga deepened at the University of Chicago as I pursed my masters in social work in 2008. Motivated to share this experience with others, I completed yoga training in the winter of 2016 at Pavones Yoga Center in Costa Rica. I also have certification in Yoga-Informed Psychotherapy from Live Oak/Bloom that included trauma informed practice. I am grateful to be able to share what I've learned.

Teaching experience includes: substitute for a class at the Rockefeller Chapel at the University of Chicago, Pullman National Park Hotel Florence, The Cooperation Operation urban garden, and The Center for Psychological Services, Beverly Therapists, and Assisting the 200 hour training at Pavones Yoga Center.  Working with individuals. more in “about”