It seems like the older I get, the more I realize how important it is to be in my BODY vs. getting stuck on my hamster wheel of my mind… especially important to remember in challenging times like these.
That awareness may actually have started when I was first learning astrology in the early ’90s and discovered that I have no Earth signs in my chart. For those who don’t know, the element of Earth symbolizes, among other things, our physical body and sensations.
I’ve often thought that may be one of the reasons I actively seek out ways to activate all my senses. That’s one of the foundations of creating transformative rituals, which I wrote about in my Master’s thesis, and later in my book, “Circle of One: The Art of Becoming a SELF-Centered Woman”.
And it’s certainly what attracted me about the two most recent additions to my spiritual practice — Positive Intelligence(TM) with its emphasis on focusing on one or more of your five senses when you’ve been “hijacked” by your Saboteurs; and Joy Intelligence(TM) with its powerful Chair of Joy(R) experience of Sit. Breathe. Think. Feel. (And I get to talk about both of them LIVE this Saturday! See the first “Pick” below.)
I also believe that, while “talk therapy” is certainly powerful, we can get to an even deeper level of healing through body-oriented therapies like SE (Somatic Experiencing), EMDR, Gestalt, or dance therapy to name a few (definitely google them to learn more).
Yet another profound reminder to pay attention to the wisdom of my body was when I did the private meditation retreat with my brother that I mentioned last month in my October Deb’s Picks. I entered the day-long experience with the intention to “reflect on the trajectory that has been my life and consider what could be next – in my work, life, and relationships”.
Well, totally unexpectedly for both of us, I ended up moving/dancing to the terrific playlist he had created for me as I verbally shared my reflections for about 3-4 hours! And as I flowed through it all, one of the biggest messages I got was that my body has the answers. So now, in addition to my daily pilates/barre/yoga practice, I’m now dancing every day for at least 5 minutes, just bopping around my office!
What about you? How do you stay grounded and centered in your body when your mind wants to take over?
Well, now is a great time to contemplate that as we move toward the earthy energy of the Taurus Full Moon coming up on November 15th. Taurus wants us to pay attention to all of our senses — what we can touch, taste, smell, hear, and feel – to re-ground ourselves and feel more secure when life is over the top. It’s ruled by the planet Venus which is concerned with money and love, and reminds us to revel in our sensuality.
And with the Sun in transformative Scorpio right now from October 22nd to November 21st, it’s the perfect time to use this new (or revived) body-wisdom to dive deep into our psyches to face our fears and shadow-selves in order to transform them into our own brand of personal power. You can read more about that energy in my Scorpio New Moon blog. (And definitely check out the recording of my virtual New Moon SisterCircle I facilitated through the Wellness Universe on November 1st when we explored “Transforming Fear into Power”.)
So, my Deb’s Picks this month reflect all of those themes in one way or another. Check them out below and let me know what resonates with you.
DEB SPEAKS! WHAT’S YOUR PQ? WHAT’S YOUR JQ? Sat., 11/16 @7pm; Metaphysical Center of NJ
I’m sooo excited to be sharing the power of Positive Intelligence and Joy Intelligence with a group of kindred spirits this Saturday… if you’re in the NY Metro area, maybe that includes YOU! I love that it’s right in the light of the Taurus Full moon the day before… perfect timing. I’ll be offering the powerful principles, tools and meditations associated with these two body-centric modalities so you can bring your mental fitness and emotional health to a whole new level! Click on the flier to register… hope to see you there!
MOVEMENT THERAPY GOES MAINTSTREAM w/Christina Boyd
Honestly, I don’t remember who told me about this terrific movement-based somatic therapist, but I hung on to her info cuz I knew it would come in handy. Her website is chock full of resources and outlines all the different modalities she offers for adults, kids, and seniors, as well as for brain injuries. You can read the blog highlighted here, then check out the rest of her site.
BRING JOY TO YOUR HOLIDAYS: 3 90-minute Zoom sessionss starting Sat., November 16; $247
My dear friends and brilliant coaches, Karen and Susan, are offering this wonderful program just in time for the holidays. I love their leading question – “Are you a well-grounded woman who morphs into a Grinch the minute you see a commercial for the holiday season?” If so, you won’t want to miss this program with these fabulous people. You’ll Identify the top stressors that torpedo your Joy Quotient every holiday season, then learn about (and practice using) a powerful “silver bullet” that will help you soften your heart toward yourself and others as you learn new responses to those triggers. There are some cool bonuses for participants, too. You cal click on the link above to email Karen with questions and to register.
AUTHENTIC MOVEMENT
When I first started leading Women’s Circles in the mid-90s, one of my early mentors introduced me to this gentle, therapeutic form of movement and I’ve incorporated it into many circles and workshops since then. With your eyes closed and no music, you explore spontaneous gestures, movement, and stillness, while being “witnessed” by someone else. Your witness can be live or even holding the space for you through Zoom. It really is a powerful experience for both the Mover and the Witness. Janet Adler’s book “Arching Backward” offers a beautiful glimpse into its healing power — perfect for this Full Moon.
SOHARMONIUMS HOLIDAY CONCERT Mon., December 16, 8pm NYC
What a thrill — this is the second year that two of my most beloved communities are coming together — my wonderful women’s chorus is presenting their Winter concert in my beautiful UU church! We represent three generations of women and will serenade you with our usual captivating repertoire, ranging from classical to contemporary to holiday favorites… all melodies to warm you on a chilly winter’s night. And in case you’re wondering, choir singing has a powerful impact on our bodies, as I’ve described in past Deb’s Picks. Click on the flier to get tix!
I hope some of these Picks will inspire you to discover new ways to tap into your body’s wisdom. And as always, if you have any events or resources to share, I’d love to hear them.
With deep Fall blessings,
Deborah