Episodes
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SYNOPSIS:
In this episode, Ali Mezey dives into an enlightening conversation with financial therapist Bari Tessler. Barry, a pioneer in the financial therapy field with a master's degree in somatic psychology from Naropa University, shares her unique somatic-based financial therapy methodology. Barry highlights the importance of integrating body awareness with financial literacy and exploring how emotions play a major role in our money decisions. She details the development of her three-phase approach: money healing, money practices, and money maps. The episode is filled with stories and practical tips about body check-ins, overcoming under earning, and learning to have empowered money conversations.To be an angel to the podcast, click here
To read more about the podcast, click here
MORE ALI MEZEY:Website: www.alimezey.com
Personal Geometry® and the Magic of Mat Work Course information:
www.alimezey.com/personal-geometry-foundations
Transgenerational Healing Films: www.constellationarts.com
Ali's short description of Constellation Work: https://studio.youtube.com/video/ADAHZWOzRDM/edit
MORE BARI TESSLER:
Website: www.baritessler.comFacebook: Bari Tessler Lindin
Instagram: @baritesslerBio:
Bari Tessler, M.A. is a Financial Therapist and a pioneer in the Financial Therapy field. She has a Masters degree in Somatic Psychology from Naropa University, 1998. She then ran a bookkeeping business for therapists and artists. In 2001, she merged all her training and created a somatic-based Financial Therapy methodology that she has been teaching for 23 years. She is also the founder of The Art of Money, a financial therapy program and a Mentor Program for therapists, coaches and financial professionals.Bari is the Author of two books: The Art of Money: A Life-Changing Guide to Financial Happiness and The Art of Money Workbook. Her work has been featured on Oprah.com, Inc.com, US News & World Report, Reuters Money, The Fiscal Times, USA Today, The Cut, Girlboss, Nerd Wallet, Real Simple, MindBodyGreen, and REDBOOK. She has also been featured on the cover of Experience Life and Mindful. Bari loves to read, dance and enjoy dark chocolate. She lives in Boulder, CO with her husband, son, many cats + a big puppy.
OTHER RESOURCES, LINKS AND INSPIRATIONS:
Fight – when we believe that if we are able to maintain power over the threat, we will gain control. This can look like physical fights, yelling, physical aggression, throwing things, and property destruction. It can also look like balling your hands into fists, feeling a knot in your stomach, crying, being argumentative, or experiencing a tight jaw.Flight – when we believe that if we are able to escape the threat and avoid conflict, then we will not be harmed. This can look like running away and avoiding interactions with others," notes Moronu. To avoid uncomfortable feelings, you may escape the situation by staying busy or fleeing for the exit whenever things get tough. Freeze – it might look like being at a loss for words, retreating into your mind, having a hard time breaking out and being present, sleeping, dissociating/spacing out, and going emotionally or physically numb.”Fawn – people-pleasing and engaging in pacifying behaviors. It's characterized by prioritizing people above all else by doing whatever they want to diffuse conflict and receive their approval. It seems good to be well liked and defer to others to secure safety, but not when it's at the cost of losing yourself. It can reach a point where you abandon yourself and your needs by merging so thoroughly with others.“Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn: Examining The 4 Trauma Responses” – Julie Nguyen
Fight, Flight, Freeze and Fawn are common trauma responses that reveal how the nervous system reacts to stress or danger. In this episode, we explore these instinctive behaviors and their impact on emotional regulation, decision-making, and relationships.
The four trauma responses most commonly recognized are:Tamara Slayton
Peter Levine
Personal Geometry and Family Constellation Work
The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
Barbara Stanny Overcoming Under Earning
Mikelann Valterra
ENCOURAGE US!: Donate $5 -
SYNOPSIS: In this episode Ali had the pleasure of conversing with Mona Wind about the embodiment of emotion and its significance in our evolution. Mona is an energy practitioner and teacher who had a near-death experience at two months old, connecting her to a state of stillness and enabling her to share this energy. This experience unlocked various capacities and gifts, leading her to integrate elements like past lives, core wounds, karma, shadows, ego, and the still point. Mona describes our body as the universe's creative playground, where physical and non-physical phenomena intertwine. Tune into today to hear our conversation!
To be an angel to the podcast, click here
To read more about the podcast, click here
MORE ALI MEZEY:
Website: https://www.alimezey.com
Personal Geometry® and the Magic of Mat Work Course information:
https://www.alimezey.com/personal-geometry-foundations
Transgenerational Healing Films: https://constellationarts.com/
MORE MONA WIND:
www.lifeintegrity.com
BIO:
Mona Wind is an energy practitioner and consciousness teacher with direct access to the still point where no thought exists.
When Mona transmits this energy, spiritual growth accelerates at rapid speeds and healing occurs simultaneously. She teaches others this direct connection in her online classes, sessions and programs.
During her healings, transmissions and teachings, this energy is shared with her clients and students. It allows them to have a direct experience of oneness without drugs, visualizations or external techniques. There is a complete integration of mind, body and spirit. When this energy is transmitted, spiritual growth accelerates at rapid speeds and healing occurs simultaneously. Mona teaches others this direct connection in her online classes, sessions and programs.
If you would like to learn from Mona how to have direct and immediate access to your integrated wholeness, you can find her at Lifeintegrity.com.
OTHER RESOURCES, LINKS AND INSPIRATIONS:
Cartesian Divide: The conceptual separation between mind and body, coined after René Descartes, emphasizing a dualistic view of human existence, isolating mental and physical aspects.Our episode on the Cartesian Divide: Bridging Divides with Rachel Fell: Neurodivergence, Conscious Body Awareness & Inclusive Intelligence
Walking in Your Shoes: WIYS is a process that allows the practitioner, in partnership with a facilitator, to address questions or needs through an intuitive questioning of the body-mind through movement. The applications of the questioning process are quite broad and can be applied to everything from healing trauma and managing addiction, to business development or a more organic method of acting. This is another means of “knowing” through your body.
HELP US SHARE OUR MESSAGE
Our events remain free as part of our mission to awaken people to the boundless potential of our bodies, inviting them to explore the profound knowledge, memory, brilliance & capacity within. By delving into the depths of our bodily intelligence as a healing resource for not just ourselves, but as a part of the larger, global body, we have the potential for meaningful change and experiences as bodies. Join us in this journey of transformation as we redefine our understanding of the human body and its infinite capabilities. While our events remain free, any contributions are deeply appreciated and are seen as a generous gesture of support and encouragement in sharing our messages with the world.
ENCOURAGE US!: Donate $5
THE WIND BENEATH OUR WINGS. DONATE $25+
[From time to time, a word or phrase goes wonky. Please forgive my wandering wifi.]
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Episodes manquant?
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Please benefit from this short grounding meditation led by Sexual Healer, Lorraine Pentello. At least 50% of the population has been sexually traumatized in their lifetimes which means it's very likely you, as a lover, are with someone who has been. This mediation can help you to help them - if ever you notice your partner drifting off, freezing, numb, destablized, highly reactive in a sexual context. Their sexual trauma may be being triggered - by no fault of your own! Here is how to help...your lover, and yourself, so that you don't take it personally, get defensive, feel rejected, maybe angry and frustrated - all of which could deepen that trauma. The more you can stay regulated, present, objective and compassionate, the more you can actually help your parter to heal sexually and increase presence and pleasure.
MORE ALI MEZEY:
Website: https://www.alimezey.com
Personal Geometry® and the Magic of Mat Work Course information:
https://www.alimezey.com/personal-geometry-foundations
Transgenerational Healing Films: https://constellationarts.com/
MORE LORRAINE PENTELLO:
www.lorrainepentello.com
BIO: Lorraine Pentello (she/he/they)
Lorraine is a Somatic Therapist and bodyworker specialising in sexuality and trauma. They have worked in the field of sexuality for the past 26 years, starting in entertainment then shifting to healing & embodiment in 2014.
Certified in Sexological Bodywork, Embodied Counselling, Craniofacial Bodywork, Myofascial Bodywork, STREAM Scar Remediation, EMDR, EFT Tapping for Trauma, Inner Child Healing and Ego State therapy, Lorraine works holistically 1:1 with clients, both online and in person. Helping them heal emotional and physical pain.
COMING IN 2025:
Lorraine will be teaching again interactive erotic education along with four other highly skilled somatic sex educators.
This is an online course designed to bring a somatic framework for people who work with touch in a two way capacity, using the body as a tool to help clients learn and heal through exploration and play.
As this course is being hosted from Australia, they will be creating a US timezone friendly version of it to be released in the new year.
Visit intereros.com for more information and expressions of interest. -
SYNOPSIS:
Join us for Taboo Part Two, as we welcome back the brilliant Lorraine Pentello to discuss the multifaceted aspects of sexual experience and relationships. In this episode, we explore a range of complex and often misunderstood topics, including jealousy, different attachment styles, the dynamics of polyamory, the importance of identity, and the healing journey from sexual trauma. Lorraine shares experienced insights that not only shed light on these sensitive subjects but also offer practical advice for navigating them. Whether you're seeking to better understand these issues or looking for tools to enhance your own relationships, this episode is packed with valuable, thought-provoking content.To be an angel to the podcast, click here
To read more about the podcast, click here
MORE ALI MEZEY:
Website: https://www.alimezey.com
Personal Geometry® and the Magic of Mat Work Course information:
https://www.alimezey.com/personal-geometry-foundations
Transgenerational Healing Films: https://constellationarts.com/
MORE LORRAINE PENTELLO:
www.lorrainepentello.com
BIO: Lorraine Pentello (she/he/they)
Lorraine is a Somatic Therapist and bodyworker specialising in sexuality and trauma. They have worked in the field of sexuality for the past 26 years, starting in entertainment then shifting to healing & embodiment in 2014.
Certified in Sexological Bodywork, Embodied Counselling, Craniofacial Bodywork, Myofascial Bodywork, STREAM Scar Remediation, EMDR, EFT Tapping for Trauma, Inner Child Healing and Ego State therapy, Lorraine works holistically 1:1 with clients, both online and in person. Helping them heal emotional and physical pain.
COMING IN 2025:
Lorraine will be teaching again interactive erotic education along with four other highly skilled somatic sex educators.
This is an online course designed to bring a somatic framework for people who work with touch in a two way capacity, using the body as a tool to help clients learn and heal through exploration and play.
As this course is being hosted from Australia, they will be creating a US timezone friendly version of it to be released in the new year.
Visit intereros.com for more information and expressions of interest.OTHER RESOURCES, LINKS AND INSPIRATIONS:
THE EROTIC MIND, by Jack Morin PhD
HARRY POTTER FANDOM.COM
"They were there, they had found the place: high as a church and full of nothing but towering shelves covered in small, dusty, glass orbs. They glimmered dully in the light issuing from more candle brackets set at intervals along the shelves. Like those in the circular room behind them, their flames were burning blue. The room was very cold"— Description of the Hall of Prophecy[src]
The Hall of Prophecy was a chamber within the Department of Mysteries, on Level 9 of the British Ministry of Magic in London, England.
The hall featured shelves containing records of prophecies,[1]though many of these records (if not all) were destroyed by the Reductor Curse. This was a part of a battle between Death Eaters and Dumbledore's Army members; it occurred in the Hall in 1996.[2]
Its existence was long rumoured within the general wizarding community, but never confirmed by the Ministry itself until 1996.[3] The destruction of the Time-Turners was mentioned in the Daily Prophet.
The Hall of Prophecy, which was entered through the Time Room, was described as a vast, cold chamber with a ceiling as high as that of a cathedral. It was filled with row upon row of towering shelves. On these shelves were hundreds of small, dusty, glass orbs (Prophecy Records), each with a yellowed and dusty label affixed below. Candle-brackets set at intervals along the shelves held blue-flame candles.[1]
The row of shelves directly in front of the door from the Time Room was number 53. Number 54 was to the right of that, then 55, and so on. The light was very dim in the Hall. The candles were located on either end of each row, which meant that from one end, the far end of each row was lost in darkness. Some of the orbs glowed with a faint inner light, but others were cold and dark. The prophecy regarding Harry Potter was located a short distance down row 97.[1]
HELP US SHARE OUR MESSAGE
Our events remain free as part of our mission to awaken people to the boundless potential of our bodies, inviting ...
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In this episode of The Brilliant Body Podcast, host Ali Mezey, co-producer Florence Popoff and guest Karen Bellone discuss the often avoided topics of death, dying, and the natural capability of the body. They explore deep-seated fears surrounding death, how modern society is distanced from it, and the importance of having open conversations about mortality - of humans and other animals. They also dive into the idea of conscious living and dying, the discrepancies in generational attitudes toward death, and how engaging with the natural cycles of life can expand awareness. Reflective of cultural beliefs and personal experiences, this episode encourages listeners to open up and discuss these difficult yet enriching topics.
MORE ALI MEZEY:
Website: www.alimezey.com
Personal Geometry® and the Magic of Mat Work Course information:
www.alimezey.com/personal-geometry-foundations
Transgenerational Healing Films: www.constellationarts.com
MORE FLORENCE POPOFF:
Website: www.gamriegardens.com
Instagram: @gamriegardensMORE KAREN BELLONE:
The Seventh Sense website: www.theseventhsense.orgFilm Website: www.kbfilms.com
BIO:Founder, Doula, Educator: Karen Bellone, MFA, is a Certified End-of-Life Doula and Death Educator. She is the founder of The Seventh Sense in NY’s Hudson Valley, where she is an integral part of a worldwide community that is reigniting the wisdom of death within our modern lives. She is also founder of Exit Strategy for Dying, a monthly Death, Arts and Culture Readers supporting a resource hub to educate and refocus the narrative around death and grief through the lens of arts, culture, storytelling and innovation. Prior to embracing her passion for end-of-life work, Karen has had a long career as an award-winning filmmaker and internationally collected photographer. She received a BFA in Film Production from New York University, and did graduate work with the world-renowned Actors Studio, through their inaugural program at the New School for Social Research.
After training and becoming certified with INELDA (International End of Life Doula Association), Karenworked with an innovative hospice in Los Angeles where her skills as a death doula were developed and broadened. In addition to working with patients in various stages of their life journeys, she was responsible for training the volunteer staff, nurses and other hospice and medical professionals to bring more understanding, humanity and compassion into their work with the dying. She spoke regularly with groups, such as the Alzheimer’s Project, about the role of the doula at end-of-life, and the space that can be held to bring about ‘a good death’. She believes strongly in the ability to demystify and assuage the fear that surrounds death in our culture and to foster safe passage for the dying, as well as to aid the families and loved ones through grief and bereavement.As a visual artist and storyteller, Karen acquired a multitude of skills throughout her career that unlocked a deep passion for the healing power of visual and auditory perception on human consciousness. She integrated these strengths and resources into tools to bring aid and comfort for those imminently facing their mortality. Working with somatic and sensory awareness, Karen utilizes visual, sound and meditation therapy, personalized guided imagery, and commemoration of the sacred in the form of ritual, legacy and memory work, in order to bring comfort - physically, emotionally, spiritually to celebrate and commemorate the life of the individual. In addition to her ongoing private practice, Karen is currently directing a feature film about living American artist Michelle Stuart, whose work also engages with the elemental and ineffable nature of existence.
RESOURCES:Edgar Allan Poe
Exit strategy for dying (Karen’s monthly newsletter)
All the Little Deaths
Allen Ginsberg
Karen's Episode A 'Good Death’, Death Doula: Embracing Life & Mortality PART ONEIn Buddhism, death is viewed as a natural part of the life cycle and an opportunity for spiritual growth. The concept is deeply intertwined with the notions of impermanence (anicca) and rebirth (samsara). Rather than being an end, death is seen as a transition, where the energy of one's consciousness continues in a new form, influenced by karma—the cumulative effects of one's actions, thoughts, and intentions. The ultimate goal is to break free from the cycle of death and rebirth through enlightenment, which means reaching a state of liberation (nirvana) where the mind is free from suffering and attachment. Mindfulness and acceptance of death are considered essential practices, as they help individuals live more fully and prepare for the moment of death with clarity and peace.
Green burial is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burial practices that emphasizes simplicity, sustainability, and minimal impact on the earth. It typically involves using biodegradable materials, avoiding embalming chemicals, and opting for natural settings like conservation areas or designated green cemeteries. The goal is to allow the body to decompose naturally, returning nutrients to the soil, and preserving the surrounding ecosystem.
Lambing season in Scotland, typically from March to May, is a busy and vital time on farms, as thousands of lambs are born each spring. This period is crucial for the meat industry, with farmers carefully tending to both ewes and newborns to ensure their health and growth. While lambing is often seen as a symbol of renewal and the start of spring, it is also a time of intense labor and long days for shepherds, who balance the joy of new life with the practical realities of raising livestock for food production.
A Dream Within a Dream
BY EDGAR ALLAN POE
Take this kiss upon the brow!
And, in parting from you now,
Thus much let me avow —
You are not wrong, who deem
That my days have been a dream;
Yet if hope has flown away
In a night, or in a day,
In a vision, or in none,
Is it therefore the less gone?
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In this episode of The Brilliant Body Podcast, Ali Mezey sits down with renowned dance improviser Kirstie Simson who shares her personal and transformative journey, navigating through the challenges of triple negative breast cancer using the power of somatic awareness and curiosity. She discusses how dance and spoken word became her tools for healing, expression, and resilience. Ali and Kirstie discuss the integration of sustainable bodily practices with conventional medicine, the deep interconnection between personal well-being and the Earth's health, and how non-sexual sensuality can foster deep human connection. Kirstie's inspiring story reflects the power of embodied intelligence and its potential to help individuals face life's challenges with strength and grace.
Tune in to hear how her decades-long career, teaching, and performing have shaped her unique perspective on the body, healing, and the vitality of pure improvisation.
To be an angel to the podcast, click here
To read more about the podcast, click here
MORE ALI MEZEY:Website: www.alimezey.com
Personal Geometry® and the Magic of Mat Work Course information:
www.alimezey.com/personal-geometry-foundations
Transgenerational Healing Films: www.constellationarts.com
MORE KIRSTIE SIMSON:
www.kirstiesimson.com
Kirstie's YouTube
Kirstie's Photos and VideosKIRSTIE'S BIO:
Kirstie Simson (UK) has been a continuous explosion in the contemporary dance scene, bringing audiences into contact with the vitality of pure creation in moment after moment of virtuoso improvisation. Called "a force of nature" by the New York Times, she is an award-winning performer and teacher who has "immeasurably enriched and expanded the boundaries of New Dance" according to Time Out Magazine, London. Kirstie is internationally renowned today as an excellent teacher, a captivating performer, and a leading light in the field of Dance Improvisation, with a dance practice that spans over four decades. From 2008 – 2020 Kirstie held a position as a tenured professor in the Department of Dance at the University of Illinois.In August 2020 Kirstie returned to her home base in Wales from where she continues to deepen the investigation of her work, sharing her findings with others around the world. Kirstie is framing her work now, in the light of our uncertain future, as practices that can help us develop resilience in the face of challenge. She uses her own experience of facing a life-threatening health issue as a foundation for her ongoing research into the power of embodied intelligence.
LINKS, RESOURCES & INSPIRATION:Findhorn Foundation
Emilie Conrad
The Fluid Body: Moving Like Water and the Wisdom of Emilie Conrad w/ Marcella Bottero
Steve Paxton
Rinpoche, also spelled Rimpoche is an honorific term used in the Tibetan language. It literally means "precious one", and may refer to a person, place, or thing—like the words "gem" or "jewel"DEFINITIONS:
Image work refers to the process of using mental imagery, visualization, or physical exercises to explore, transform, or integrate personal experiences, emotions, or identities. It’s often used in therapeutic, artistic, or spiritual practices to help individuals gain deeper insight into themselves or shift their internal experiences.HELP US SHARE OUR MESSAGE
Our resources remain free as part of our mission to awaken people to the boundless potential of our bodies, inviting them to explore the profound knowledge, memory, brilliance & capacity within. By delving into the depths of our bodily intelligence as a healing resource for not just ourselves, but as a part of the larger, global body, we have the potential for meaningful change and experiences as bodies. Join us in this journey of transformation as we redefine our understanding of the human body and its infinite capabilities. While our events remain free, any contributions are deeply appreciated and are seen as a generous gesture of support and encouragement in sharing our messages with the world.
ENCOURAGE US!: Donate $5
THE WIND BENEATH OUR WINGS. DONATE $25+
Sharing is free! And so is rating us! These are also incredibly helpful ways you can support us in sharing this transformative information.
[From time to time, a word or phrase goes wonky. Please forgive my wandering wifi.]
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This episode features a rich discussion between Ali Mezey and guest Elizabeth Castagna, a certified Alexander Technique instructor. They dive into themes of being conscious as a mover – specifically while walking. Do we feel supported by the Earth as we walk? How safe do we feel as bodies – and how could we feel safer? They also talk about the impact of injury on movement awareness. Ali and Elizabeth discuss how conscious movement can lead to enhanced sensation, and sense of wholeness – not just with yourself but with the world. The conversation touches upon topics such as kinetic chains, compensatory movement patterns, and the psycho-emotional aspects of body awareness. Elizabeth shares personal insights, including her experience with Lyme disease and its effect on her vision. With a focus on cultivating sensitivity and supporting others in their embodiment journeys, the conversation underscores the transformative potential of body-based practices.
To be an angel to the podcast, click here
To read more about the podcast, click here
MORE ALI MEZEY:Website: www.alimezey.com
Personal Geometry® and the Magic of Mat Work Course information:
www.alimezey.com/personal-geometry-foundations
Transgenerational Healing Films: www.constellationarts.com
MORE ELIZABETH CASTAGNA:
The Beacon Walking Lab WorkshopsInstagram: @feellikeyourselfagain
Photo of Elizabeth: David McIntyreThe Alexander Technique is a method of movement education that focuses on improving posture, coordination, and body awareness. Developed by Frederick Matthias Alexander in the late 19th century, it teaches people to recognize and release habitual patterns of tension that interfere with natural movement and breathing. By emphasizing ease and balance, the technique promotes a more effortless way of moving, sitting, and standing, which can reduce pain, improve overall physical functioning, and support mental clarity. It is widely used by performers, athletes, and individuals seeking to reduce stress and enhance body mechanics.
BIO:
Elizabeth Castagna is certified to teach The Alexander Technique by Alexander TechniqueInternational and received her training with master teacher Chloe Wing in New York City. She
became Chloe’s Teacher Training Assistant from 2006-2013.
In 2019 Elizabeth was certified by The Developing Self of the UK for teaching the Alexander
Technique to children, teens, and young adults. From this training grew The Developing Self US
group of AT teachers working to bring AT to schools in the US and to support each other in that
process. Elizabeth co-facilitates this group with AT colleague Gabrielle Czaja.
She has taught AT Lab for children ages 5 – 11 at The Randolph School for 8 years. And has
offered AT inspired better balance chair classes to seniors in retirement communities
and local libraries. Elizabeth has also led AT workshops for actors in NYC.
Elizabeth has had the opportunity to work with a range of students including folks with
repetitive stress injuries, back pain, grief, anxiety, Lyme disease, recovery from surgery and
folks who want to feel better in their body. She works with actors, musicians, visual artists,
schoolteachers, seniors, teens, children, and prenatal/postpartum care. She offers private
lessons and workshops in The Hudson Valley, New York City and online.
Elizabeth is a visual artist with a movement-based art practice rooted in her study/work with
somatics and is a Craniosacral Balancing practioner offering private sessions for 11 years. She’s a
native New Yorker, grew up selling hot dogs at Yankee Stadium, and currently lives in Beacon NY.
Her ProcessElizabeth dedicates her teaching to seeing and hearing her students clearly, supporting the
unfolding of change in their body while respecting the natural pace of this movement which is
unique to each individual. She provides a safe, creative space for her students where they can
deepen a mindful state, cultivate self-awareness and embody thought with movement through
a newfound ease and sense of wonder.
With an understanding that how we learn is essential to what we learn, Elizabeth can integrate
other somatic processes into her sessions. Among them are free drawing, Body Mind Centering
and Somatic Experiencing all to support her students to connect to themselves, to others, and
their environment in a new way.
In Her Words
I became aware of connecting to the wisdom of my body from my study with Chloe Wing. She’d always say, “Ask your body to show you how it wants to do that.” or “Ask your body what it wants.” In the podcast I mention “Am I safe now?” and “What if I allow myself to be as I am completely” these are both questions that I learned from my studies with Chloe.
When we let go of the extra holding in our body we are letting go into the support of the invisible forces around us of gravity and the up or rebound energy from the earth. It is with both the down and the up that we stand freely.
I learned about bringing awareness to my brain to help my eyes come together from the work of Alexander Technique teacher Peter Grunwald’s called EyeBody.
Psycho-physical unity:In the Alexander Technique, psycho-physical unity is the idea that the mind and body are inseparable and influence each other in a holistic way. This concept suggests that thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations are all part of a unified experience.
LINKS, RESOURCES & INSPIRATION:Alexander Technique by Alexander Technique International
FOCUSING: How To Gain Direct Access To Your Body's Knowledge by Eugene Gendlin
A 'Good Death’ with Karen Bellone, Death Doula: Embracing Life & Mortality PART ONE
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In this episode, Ali speaks with Professor Matthew Beaumont, an English literature professor at University College London, who has just published his book, How We Walk: Frantz Fanon and the Politics of the Body about how the body reflects political and social oppression. They delve into topics such as the impact of racial oppression on physical movement, the cultural significance of walking, and how both personal and societal factors influence and restrict body expression. The conversation also touches on the influence of climate change on mental and physical health, the body's experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the intersection of dance, religion, and bodily freedom.
To be an angel to the podcast, click here
To read more about the podcast, click here
MORE ALI MEZEY:Website: www.alimezey.com
Personal Geometry® and the Magic of Mat Work Course information:
www.alimezey.com/personal-geometry-foundations
Transgenerational Healing Films: www.constellationarts.com
Constellation Work is a highly effective method to delve into healing transgenerational trauma, unburdening consequent generations from the influences of traumas which can be transmitted epigenetically.MORE MATTHEW BEAUMONT:
Instagram: @matthewhbeaumont
UCL WebsitePublisher Website
BOOKS:
How We Walk: Frantz Fanon and the Politics of the Body (London: Verso, 2024)
The Walker: On Losing and Finding Oneself in the Modern City (Verso, 2020)
Lev Shestov: Philosopher of the Sleepless Night (Bloomsbury, 2020)
Nightwalking: A Nocturnal History of London, Chaucer to Dickens (Verso, 2015)BIO:
Matthew's research interests centre on various aspects of the metropolitan city, especially London. He is currently writing a history of literature about London for Cambridge University Press. He is also working on a book-length project about the role of insomnia in nineteenth and twentieth-century literature, painting and philosophy.His most recent books are The Walker: On Losing and Finding Oneself in the Modern City (Verso, 2020), a series of chapters on writers including Chesterton, Dickens, Ford, Wells and Woolf, all of whom have placed the experience of walking in the metropolis at the centre of their attempts to understand and represent modernity; and Lev Shestov: Philosopher of the Sleepless Night (Bloomsbury, 2020), a book that revives the reputation of a neglected early twentieth-century Russian thinker by placing him in dialogue with Adorno, Benjamin, Deleuze and other continental philosophers.
LINKS, RESOURCES & INSPIRATION:
Wilhelm ReichAlexander Lowan
Frantz Fanon
HG Wells
Marcel Mauss, French Anthropologist “Technique du Corp” essay 1935
Charlie Hertzog Young: SPINNING OUT: Climate Change, Mental Health and Fighting for a Better FutureSigmund Freud
The Polyvagal Theory/Stephen Porges
The Ecstasy of Saint Theresa by Gian Lorenzo Bernini
Walking Somatic Empathy with Joseph Culp: The Mind-Body Process of Walking-In-Your-Shoes
DEFINITIONS:
Cartesian Divide: The conceptual separation between mind and body, coined after René Descartes, emphasizing a dualistic view of human existence, isolating mental and physical aspects.
The Window of Tolerance articleHELP US SHARE OUR MESSAGE
Our resources remain free as part of our mission to awaken people to the boundless potential of our bodies, inviting them to explore the profound knowledge, memory, brilliance & capacity within. By delving into the depths of our bodily intelligence as a healing resource for not just ourselves, but as a part of the larger, global body, we have the potential for meaningful change and experiences as bodies. Join us in this journey of transformation as we redefine our understanding of the human body and its infinite capabilities. While our events remain free, any contributions are deeply appreciated and are seen as a generous gesture of support and encouragement in sharing our messages with the world.
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SYNOPSIS:
In this episode Ali discusses, among other things, fame, fad dieting and the art of self-knowing with guest Paul Lubicz, a prominent wellness expert. How do we know that is best for your bodies - from diets to true purpose? They discuss the significance of feeling over thinking, understanding the body's signals, and the concept of embodiment. Paul shares his journey from a chemist to becoming an advocate for holistic health, emphasizing the importance of knowing oneself, leading a balanced life, and the impact of ancestral lineage on personal identity. The conversation also the challenges faced by famous individuals in maintaining their true identity amidst public scrutiny and the vibrational impact of fame. They also touch on the North Star of “why” – the core purpose guiding actions and decisions. Ali asks Paul about his adoption and they discuss the interplay of geographical intelligence of DNA, Epigenetics, and the fascinating ongoing question of nature vs nurture, revealing how biological brilliance shapes behaviour and health across different environments. This episode highlights the importance of self-compassion, living in alignment with one's purpose, and the transformative power of reconnecting with nature.
To be an angel to the podcast, click hereTo read more about the podcast, click here
MORE ALI MEZEY:Website: www.alimezey.com
Personal Geometry® and the Magic of Mat Work Course information:
www.alimezey.com/personal-geometry-foundations
Transgenerational Healing Films: www.constellationarts.com
Constellation Work is a highly effective method to delve into healing transgenerational trauma, unburdening consequent generations from the influences of traumas which can be transmitted epigenetically.MORE PAUL LUBICZ:
Website: www.thewellbeingmanager.com
Instagram: @thewellbeingmanager
BIO:
Hi I’m Paul, I’m here to help you reveal your truth. Discover what you truly ache for and to assist to define your hearts longing. It’s my life’s purpose, what I was made for, to encourage people, to support people, to nourish people, to love people and to inspire them to discover ways to enhance their lives
Through my work I stand on the shoulders of giants, having apprenticed, studied and been educated by some of the most extraordinary mentors, institutions and lineages on the planet. In sharing these teachings and passing them on, It’s my intention to always to be gentle, encouraging and collaborative. I offer ideas that are, in their nature aiming towards activating self-confidence, accountability and creativity on a direct and clear path forward. This is an offering of a deeper understanding of yourself and of your life, encourages a strong grasp of responsibility and the use of imagination on your journey into self-gnosis.
I endeavor to help educate people on how we affect our world through thoughts, words and actions and how you can develop a strategy to rediscover your roots and come back into coherence with your true nature. I offer a proposition of massive change in your life, igniting people through this process they become familiar with how to free themselves, reveal what is meaningful and to bring to light their gifts and share them in the world.
That's my life work, what I was made for, It gives me great joy to share this with you.
Paul Lubicz
LINKS, RESOURCES & INSPIRATION:
Aboriginal Dream Time Books
Jane Peterson's Episode on The Brilliant Body Podcast "The Systemic Body: Navigating Relational Dynamics and Systemic Consciousness with Jane Peterson, PhD"
For a highly effective method of healing generational trauma, see these films: Transgenerational Healing Films: www.constellationarts.comThe "North Star of Why" refers to the guiding purpose or core motivation that drives an individual, team, or organization. Like the North Star in navigation, which serves as a constant point of reference, this "why" offers direction and clarity in decision-making. It’s the deeper reason behind actions, going beyond goals and tasks, to the fundamental belief or value that inspires and sustains effort. Discovering your "North Star of Why" ensures you stay aligned with your true purpose, helping you navigate challenges and stay focused on what matters most.
Adoption and the intelligence of DNA
Adoption highlights the incredible intelligence embedded within our DNA, revealing how biological ties continue to shape identity, behavior, and health, even when raised in different environments. Our DNA carries ancestral information, influencing not only physical traits but also emotional and psychological patterns. While nurture plays a critical role in development, the genetic blueprint passed through generations holds its own wisdom, guiding responses to life in ways we are only beginning to understand. The interplay of adopted environments and inherited DNA showcases the powerful balance between nature and nurture in shaping who we become.Ho'oponopono is an ancient Hawaiian practice of reconciliation, forgiveness, and healing. The word roughly translates to "to make right" or "to correct an error." Traditionally, it was used by indigenous Hawaiian families and communities to resolve conflicts, heal relationships, and restore harmony.
Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len, a Hawaiian psychologist, is known for popularizing Ho'oponopono in the West, using it to clear negative energy within himself to help heal patients, even without direct interaction.
Epigenetics refers to the study of changes in gene expression or activity that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. These changes can affect how genes are turned on or off and can be influenced by various environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet, stress, toxins, and experiences such as trauma.
In simpler terms, while your DNA is like a blueprint, epigenetics is like a set of instructions that determines how that blueprint is read and used. These instructions can be influenced by your environment and experiences, meaning that your genes are not necessarily your destiny — they can be modified in response to your surroundings, choices and events – influences that can be passed through generations.
HELP US SHARE OUR MESSAGEOur resources remain free as part of our mission to aw...
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In this episode, Ali Mezey share the concept of 'Soma' as illuminated by Master Bodyworker and Author, Thomas Hanna, in his book The Body of Life. Thomas Hanna coined the term 'somatic' now used extensively by practitioners of many body-based disciplines - he is one of the grandfathers of body therapy practiced all over the world in infinite variation. in this episode, Ali reads out of the introductory chapter which discussing the distinction between the physical body and the living, dynamic 'Soma' and dives into the broader context of human embodiment. Hanna's body of work, and this episode, offer a profound perspective on the interconnectedness, adaptability, and intrinsic intelligence of living systems.
To be an angel to the podcast, click here
To read more about the podcast, click here
MORE ALI MEZEY:
Website: www.alimezey.com
Personal Geometry® and the Magic of Mat Work Course information:
www.alimezey.com/personal-geometry-foundations
Transgenerational Healing Films: www.constellationarts.com
MORE THOMAS HANNA:
Website: www.somatics.org/about/introduction
More about: Who is Thomas Hanna in the world of Somatics?
To purchase Hanna's book: The Body of Life: Creating New Pathways for Sensory Awareness and Fluid Movement
Thomas Hanna ObituaryThe bodywork community lost a vital member in Thomas Hanna, who died in a late July, 1990 auto accident near Novato, California. He was 61.
Born November 21, 1928, in Waco, Texas, Hanna was the founder of the Novato Institute for Somatic Research and Training in Novato, California and the editor of Somatics: Magazine-Journal of the Bodily Arts and Sciences. He also authored seven books, perhaps best know for Bodies in Revolt: A Primer in Somatic Thinking (1970) and Somatics (1989).
Hanna is survived by his wife, Eleanor Criswell, and three children, daughters Tad Hanna and Wendell Zitelman , and son Michael Hanna.
As an undergraduate at Texas Christian University from which he received a bachelor’s in 1949, Hanna initially thought about going into theology. He continued studies at the University of Chicago, later receiving a Bachelor of Divinity and then a doctorate in philosophy.
Hanna taught in Europe and several colleges throughout the U.S. At his memorial service held, Aug. 12, several people referred to his popularity as a teacher. One speaker recalled an incident while Hanna was teaching at the University of Florida. He was having car trouble and was going to be late getting to his class. He called his secretary as asked her to notify the class that he would be there but would arrive late. When he did arrive an hour and a half late, the class of 700 yoga students was still waiting for him in the ROTC quadrangle where the class met. Truly he was an engaging teacher. His commitment and involvement with his material, as well as his skill at communicating it, inspired his students.
In his early seminal books, he posed philosophical questions about humanity, i.e. what is it to be human, to be embodied, to be free? Those questions run like themes though his work. They were questions he never ceased exploring.
In the early 1970’s, after reading Bodies in Revolt, a well-known member of the bodywork world suggested he meet and study with Moshe Feldenkrais. As a result, Hanna studied with Feldenkrais in 1973 and 1974, and organized the first four-year Feldenkrais training program in the U.S. in 1975. He also founded the Novato Institute in 1975.
Hanna considered himself a writer, philosopher and teacher, not a bodyworker. He called the hands-on work Clinical Somatic Education. It was his strong belief that real change can only occur from within and not be imposed on someone from the outside. It is the difference between working on someone and working with someone. The goal was not to change tissue but to restore awareness and voluntary control over the sensory-motor system.
He believed that people were affected by a condition he termed sensory motor amnesia (SMA), and his work was designed to correct this. The concept of SMA is that if you lose your awareness of a part of your body, either through trauma or habituation, you lose your ability o move that part. Restoring awareness restores voluntary control. This can then be reinforced with simple movement patterns similar to Feldenkrais movement.
Hanna often referred to F.M. Alexander and Feldenkrais as important teachers for him. According to Hanna, Feldenkrais has made a tremendously important discovery about body function, but hadn’t fully explored the implications of that discovery himself. Hanna used the analogy that Feldenkrais had opened the door to a vast new territory, but had not gone inside to explore. Hanna had gone through the door and was exploring this new territory in light of recent development in neurophysiology, and the implications were breathtaking. Feldenkrais had said, and Hanna reiterated, that there is no limit what people can learn.
In an editorial last fall/winter, Hanna wrote about human mortality, analogizing it with his flowers:
“There was only one difference between the flowers and me: the impatiens affirmed the eternity of life, and I did not. The impatiens were pure in the way they lived, and I was sullied with contradiction…I realized that, all things considered, it was the impatiens who lived life to the fullest, whereas I was living my life, hamstrung. It was not I who was superior, but they…Is total affirmation of life and growth the highest good, or is it some kind of sinful ignorance? Should I live awaiting the end that I have envisaged, or should I live expecting only life and only future?
“Who is wiser? I, or the impatiens? I think the impatiens are wiser. They assume only what they know and feel. They do not assume something they do not know and feel…
“And so I water my impatiens this summer and into the autumn. And I gaze at their happy innocence. They are my teachers, just as my mother is my teacher. And the water sinks down into the soil, giving life. It is the same soil from which I sprang and my mother sprang. And it is the same soil that will receive us both.
“If I trusted it to give us life at the beginning, I might just as well trust it to give us life at the end. In that way, I have joined in a wisdom that tells me that my mother, my flowers, and I myself are now together and somehow will always be.”
- Victoria Carmona, a student of Hanna’s, contributed to this report.From Massa...
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SYNOPSIS:
In this episode, Ali is joined by world-renowned Family Constellation Work facilitator and trainer (and Ali's Constellations mentor), Jane Peterson, PhD, to discuss our bodies, minds, and systemic consciousness. They explore the multi-dimensional concept of embodiment, emphasizing that the body exists and interacts in a complex web of relationships. Peterson shares her insights on Family Constellation Work, systemic thinking, and her experiences in permaculture and organizational consulting. They discuss the importance of relational dynamics, belonging, and the interplay between individual and collective systems. Ali and Jane also touch upon the relevance of micro-skills in achieving mastery in embodied practices and collaborative relationships, while highlighting the common issues in modern communication frameworks. This episode offers a profound look at how brilliant us bodies are and how understanding these systems can lead to greater personal and societal harmony.
To be an angel to the podcast, click here
To read more about the podcast, click here
MORE ALI MEZEY:
Website: www.alimezey.com
Personal Geometry® and the Magic of Mat Work Course information:
www.alimezey.com/personal-geometry-foundations
Transgenerational Healing Films: www.constellationarts.com
MORE JANE PETERSON:
Website: www.human-systems-institute.com
BIO:
Jane Peterson, PhD, is the co-founder and executive director of the Human Systems Institute, Inc. She is the originator of Somatic Imaging and the somatic-resonance approach to constellation work. Her work is internationally respected for being tailored to meet the high learning demands of adult professionals. She was a faculty member at the International Intensive Workshop on Systemic Resolutions in Bernreid, Germany for 9 years. Jane is an INFOSYON certified Master Trainer and has served as an advisor and author for the Knowing Field journal. She has taught systemic constellation work in Asia, South America, South Africa, Mexico, Canada, Europe, and the U.S.
In 2005, she organized the first U.S. Conference in constellation work. Her Institute offers trainings in Somatic Imaging and systemic constellation work, including training in organizational constellations. The institute is currently offering it's seventeenth year of training programs.
Jane started her professional career as an engineer and manager in a high tech firm (the first woman engineer hired into her department) and knows first-hand the demands placed on leaders in the corporate environment. In the course of becoming a constellation facilitator, she has also been a professional ceramic sculptor and ran her own fine arts studio, Laughing Bones, Inc.Jane is a master practitioner of Neuro-linguistic Programming, a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, a Certified Professional Behavioral Coach and a member of the American Counseling Association, VOIS, OHA, and ODN. She has studied Process Oriented Psychology with Arny Mindell and Max Schupbach, Group Dynamics with Michael Grinder, Peruvian energy healing with Don Amèrico Yàbar, Attachment and Trauma work with Dan Siegel and Diane Poole Heller, a Psycho-biological Approach to Couples Therapy with Stan Tatkin (Level 2), Coordinated Management of Meaning with Barnett Pearce, and continues to learn with other research-driven leaders in the fields of personal and social evolution. She holds a doctorate in Human and Organizational Systems from Fielding Graduate University, and has been a post-doctoral fellow of the Institute for Social Innovation.
OTHER RESOURCES, LINKS AND INSPIRATIONS:
Robert Keegan: In Over Our Heads, The Mental Demands of Modern LifeSarah Peyton's Books
Amber Gray's episode: Trauma and the Body: Regulation, Restoration, & The Patience of Whales
Your Resonant Body with Sarah Peyton: Brain Circuits, Childhood Contracts & Reconceiving AddictionMerlin Sheldrake's Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds and Shape Our Futures
Jordan Klepper: A Comedian's Take on How to Save DemocracyARRIVAL (The Film)
Don Américo Yábar: Salka Star | Spiritual Journeys with Don Americo
Mihui...the art of 'eating' heavy energy
Nonverbal Communication Expert For Education + Business
Who is Thomas Hanna in the world of Somatics?
The Body of Life: Creating New Pathways for Sensory Awareness and Fluid Movementamazon.com
George Lakoff - Conceptual Metaphor Theory
Arny Mindell: Process Oriented Psychology
Human Planet: Stealing Meat from Lions
Barry Oshry Website
Leading Systems: Lessons from the Power Lab by Barry Oshry
DEI Work: DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Work refers to initiatives and practices ... -
Disclaimer:
This episode includes some graphic discussions about the insides of bodies. If you're squeamish or prefer to keep your anatomy lessons less hands-on, you might want to grab a pillow to hide behind or listen with a friend for moral support. Otherwise, dive in with us for some fascinating and occasionally gooey details!SYNOPSIS:
In this episode Ali Mezey welcomes Dr. Madhav Gramke, a chiropractor and anatomist known for his innovative approach to bodywork. Madhav shares his journey into the world of anatomy, starting from a fascination with bodybuilding in middle school to becoming a chiropractor influenced by a profound encounter with a specialist. The conversation spans the uniqueness of human anatomy, the emotional dimensions of physical ailments, and Madhav's intimate experience working with the body of his late father in a nerve dissection project. They also discuss the importance of holistic approaches in chiropractic care and the often overlooked significance of the coccyx in overall health and the sometimes mysterious connection between physical ailments and emotional states.MORE ALI MEZEY:
Website: www.alimezey.com
Personal Geometry® and The Magic of Mat Work Course information
Transgenerational Healing Films
Transgenerational Healing With Stephan Hausner (Trailer)
MORE MADHAV GRAMKE:
Website: www.integratechiro.com
Anatomy Class
Book with MadhavBIO: Madhav received his Doctorate of Chiropractic from Life University and a Bachelor's in Health Sciences from the University of Central Florida. He has extensive training in cranio/sacral therapy, pediatric and pregnancy techniques, and various chiropractic methods, with broad exposure to cross-disciplinary modalities.
In addition to clinical education, Dr. Madhav has researched, explored, and taught anatomy, instructing doctoral students at Life University and currently teaching in Colorado Springs. This deep knowledge base informs his exceptional practice.
His health journey began in high school with exercise and nutrition. A chiropractor’s health talk profoundly influenced him, revealing a science aligned with nature that resolved not just back pain but also complex issues like digestive problems and neural disorders.LINKS, RESOURCES & INSPIRATION:
The Body is a Gift with Gil Hedley: A Reverential Journey into the Human Body (audio)
The Body is a Gift with Gil Hedley: A Reverential Journey into the Human Body (video)
Our Sacred Hearts: Learn Integral Anatomy with Gil Hedley (video)
The Heart-Brain: Learn Integral Anatomy with Gil Hedley (video)
Integral Anatomy Heart: Unwinding the Heart Center, with Gil Hedley, Ph.D. (video)
Stanley Keleman: EMOTIONAL ANATOMY (book)Louise Hay: HEAL YOUR BODY: THE MENTAL CAUSES OF PHYSICAL ILLNESS (book)
Gil Hedley's Nerve Tour: 2023-2024
“Luck Is What Happens When Preparation Meets Opportunity." This quote is attributed to Roman philosopher, Seneca.[From time to time, a word or phrase goes wonky. Please forgive my wandering wifi.]
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HEADS UP: We do touch on topics like sexism, gender dynamics, sexual identity, and societal pressures. There are also mentions of domestic and sexual violence. We use frank language and occasional swear words. Please take care while listening, and feel free to skip any parts that might be triggering. Your well-being is important to us.
In this episode, we delve into the complex interplay of societal expectations and sexual identity with the renowned Dr. Kate Balestrieri. Dr. Kate is a licensed psychologist, certified sex therapist, and the founder of Modern Intimacy, with years of experience practicing forensic psychology in prisons, working with both violent and non-violent offenders. With her extensive expertise, Dr. Kate provides valuable insights into how societal pressures shape our perceptions and behaviors related to personal sexual proclivities, preferences, and use of power. We also explore the roadmap to sexual liberation—and some consequences of not taking it.
Ali and Dr. Kate discuss sexual and cultural incarceration, highlighting how repression can lead to both personal, and literal, imprisonment. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of these critical issues and hear from a leading voice dedicated to smashing stigmas and promoting sexual well-being.
Ali dedicates this episode to MJS x
MORE ALI MEZEY:
Website
Personal Geometry® and The Magic of Mat Work Course information
Transgenerational Healing Films
Transgenerational Healing With Stephan Hausner (Trailer)
MORE KATE BALESTRIERI:
Website: www.modernintimacy.com
Get Naked with Dr. Kate
BIO: Dr. Kate Balestrieri is a licensed psychologist, certified sex therapist, the founder of Modern Intimacy, and host of the Get Naked with Dr. Kate podcast.
Modern Intimacy was born out of Dr. Kate Balestrieri’s recognition that all humans are social and relational beings. As such, mental health is directly tied to the quality of our relationships and sex life. Driven by her desire to smash stigmas about mental health and sexuality, Dr. Kate Balestrieri built a platform that not only connects clinicians trained in sex therapy with people seeking therapy for sexual issues, but also provides a safe, inclusive space for people to get access to education about sensitive topics that people live with every day, related to trauma, relationships, sexual health, any type of sexual dysfunction, sexual activity, and sexual problems.
LINKS, RESOURCES & INSPIRATION:
A couple favorite quotes by Kate:
“Gender is a currency for power.”“Proprioceptive identity...I know who I am because I know who I'm not.”
Kate's Podcast: Get Naked with Dr. Kate
Unlocked (on Netflix)Family Constellations (Ali’s description)
Transgenerational Healing With Stephan Hausner (Trailer)Aileen Wuornos
Kate’s book: Coming soon and we're so excited! We'll add it here once it's available.
Affective State: An affective state refers to the emotional condition or mood of an individual. It encompasses a wide range of feelings and emotions, such as happiness, sadness, anger, or fear, influencing one's perception and interaction with the world..
[From time to time, a word or phrase goes wonky. Please forgive my wandering wifi.]
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In this guided meditation led by Sarah, participants are invited to explore the concept of embodiment through play and presence. Sarah begins by reflecting on the human capacity for lifelong play and the tendency to withdraw from embodiment when hurt. Through gentle guidance, participants are encouraged to reconnect with their bodies, acknowledging and welcoming all aspects of themselves. The meditation concludes with an invitation to observe the nervous system's response to social engagement and connection.
We've kept it clean so you can listen uninterrupted whenever you like. This meditation is an excerpt from Sarah's Episode Your Resonant Body with Sarah Peyton: Brain Circuits, Childhood Contracts & Reconceiving Addiction
MORE ALI MEZEY:Website
Personal Geometry® and The Magic of Mat Work Course information
Transgenerational Healing Films
FOR MORE SARAH PEYTON:SARAH – WEBSITE
SARAH – INSTAGRAM
BIO: Sarah Peyton, Certified Trainer of Nonviolent Communication and neuroscience educator, integrates brain science and the use of resonant language to heal personal and collective trauma with exquisite gentleness.Sarah teaches and lectures internationally and is the author of four books: Your Resonant Self: Guided Meditations and Exercises to Engage Your Brain’s Capacity for Healing, the companion Your Resonant Self Workbook: From Self-sabotage to Self-care, and Affirmations for Turbulent Times: Resonant Words to Soothe Body and Mind, and The Antiracist Heart: A Self-Compassion and Activism Handbook, co-authored with Roxy Manning, PhD.
HELP US SHARE OUR MESSAGE
Our events & content remain free as part of our mission to awaken people to the boundless potential of our bodies, inviting them to explore the profound knowledge, memory, brilliance & capacity within. By delving into the depths of our bodily intelligence as a healing resource for not just ourselves, but as a part of the larger, global body, we have the potential for meaningful change and experiences as bodies. Join us in this journey of transformation as we redefine our understanding of the human body and its infinite capabilities. While our events remain free, any contributions are deeply appreciated and are seen as a generous gesture of support and encouragement in sharing our messages with the world.
ENCOURAGE US!: Donate $5
THE WIND BENEATH OUR WINGS. DONATE $25+
[From time to time, a word or phrase goes wonky. Please forgive my wandering wifi.]
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HEADS UP: We do briefly discuss torture, and there are a few swears words bandied.
This is a recording from our recent live event. Each of our events is aimed at connecting all you lovely bodies with pioneering leaders in our mission to help humans (along with other species) live our embodied wholeness for the benefit of individual and collective healing. We host multiple free events each month. Find our schedule here.
Step into the world of trauma healing, somatic psychology, and human rights advocacy with Amber Gray. With over two decades of experience in supporting survivors of trauma, including torture, war, and human rights abuses, Amber brings a wealth of expertise to her work. Through her innovative approach, which integrates dance/movement therapy, mindfulness, and creative arts, Amber offers a unique perspective on healing that honors the resilience and strength of the human spirit.
Join Ali and Amber, and our participating listeners, as they explore the profound lessons gleaned from working with survivors from diverse cultural backgrounds. From the complexities of dissociation to the transformative power of Restorative Movement Psychotherapy, Amber shares invaluable insights and practices for healing trauma. Gain a deeper understanding of the adaptive function of dissociation and discover practical tools for promoting resilience and well-being in the face of adversity.
MORE ALI MEZEY:Website
Personal Geometry® and The Magic of Mat Work Course information
Transgenerational Healing Films
MORE AMBER GRAY:Website
To be with Amber and the whales
Amber's Episode of The Brilliant Body Podcast: Trauma and the Body with Amber Gray: Regulation, Restoration, & The Patience of Whales
BIO: Amber is a Human Rights Psychotherapist and a Somatic and Dance/Movement Therapist who has worked with survivors of interpersonal, collective and intergenerational trauma, particularly torture, war, and human rights abuses, for 25 years. Amber provides clinical and transformational training on her Right to Embody trainings integrating refugee mental health and torture treatment with creative arts, mindfulness, and body-based therapies for programs serving survivors worldwide. She, with her clients, created a resiliency-based framework and clinical approach (Restorative Movement Psychotherapy) for somatic and movement therapies with survivors of trauma in multi-cultural contexts, and they also co-created Polyvagal-informed Somatic and Dance/Movement therapy, based on 24 years immersion in Polyvagal Theory. The latter is the subject of her upcoming book, Roots, Rhythm and Reciprocity, to be published by Norton. She regularly facilitates WildZeNess Eco-somatic Body of Change retreats for survivors, and caregivers and practitioners, serving communities affected by injustice, oppression and trauma.ALI'S FAVORITE AMBER QUOTES FROM THIS SESSION:
"The prayer makes itself.""Show up, shut up and get what's going on."
"Who's your body now?"
"I am, therefore I am. I sense therefore I am." (Take that, René!)
"Our neural circuitry is cheerleading our survival at all times."
GLOSSARY:
Interception: the collection of senses providing information to the organism about the internal state of the body. This can be both conscious and subconscious. It is the ability to be aware of internal sensations in the body, including heart rate, respiration, hunger, fullness, temperature, and pain, as well as emotion sensations.Bioplasticity: every system in your body can change and adapt based on your life experiences and environment.
LINKS, RESOURCES & INSPIRATION:VoDou: “ Vodou is both a religion and a way of being. It is a uniquely Haitian religion; an amalgam of the religions and traditions originating in and on the Continent, that arrived to Haiti’s shores with the ships carrying those enslaved and stolen from their land. To learn more read Mimerose Beaubrun's book Nan Domi: https://www.newsouthbooks.com.au/books/nan-domi-1/
CONTINUUM MOVEMENT: Founder, the brilliant Emilie Conrad, gives an introduction
JUDY HERMAN: Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence - from Domestic Abuse to Political Terror
THE POLYVAGAL THEORY/Stephen PorgesMARIAN CHACE: Founder of Dance Therapy
GABRIELLE ROTH: Founder of 5RHYTHMS
DR. ANGWYNN ST JUST: Founder of Trauma University
GOLDSMITHS University of London: MA in Dance Movement Psychotherapy
[From time to time, a word or phrase goes wonky. Please forgive my wandering wifi.]
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Embark on a journey of connection and grounding in this beautiful Earth Body Meditation led by Amber Gray. Rooted in Amber's dual heritage of white settler colonizer and Native American ancestry, this practice merges Native American and Vodou traditions to deepen our sense of being of the earth. Explore sensory memory as you envision placing your feet on your beloved patch of earth, sensing its textures, smells, and colors. Through gentle movement and stillness, allow the earth to speak to you, guiding your body into a reciprocal dance of reciprocity and reverence. Find solace in the stories of this sacred place and the beings who have called it home, as you cultivate a profound sense of presence and rootedness.
We've kept this episode clean so you can listen uninterrupted whenever you like. This meditation is an excerpt from Amber's live event and an encore to her episode Trauma and the Body with Amber Gray: Regulation, Restoration, & The Patience of Whales.
MORE ALI MEZEY:
Website: https://www.alimezey.com
Personal Geometry® and the Magic of Mat Work Course information:
Transgenerational Healing Films:
MORE AMBER GRAY:
Website: https://ambergray.com/
To be with Amber and the whales:
BIO:
Amber is a Human Rights Psychotherapist and a Somatic and Dance/Movement Therapist who has worked with survivors of interpersonal, collective and intergenerational trauma, particularly torture, war, and human rights abuses, for 25 years. Amber provides clinical and transformational training on her Right to Embody trainings integrating refugee mental health and torture treatment with creative arts, mindfulness, and body-based therapies for programs serving survivors worldwide. She, with her clients, created a resiliency-based framework and clinical approach (Restorative Movement Psychotherapy) for somatic and movement therapies with survivors of trauma in multi-cultural contexts, and they also co-created Polyvagal-informed Somatic and Dance/Movement therapy, based on 24 years immersion in Polyvagal Theory. The latter is the subject of her upcoming book, Roots, Rhythm and Reciprocity, to be published by Norton. She regularly facilitates WildZeNess Eco-somatic Body of Change retreats for survivors, and caregivers and practitioners, serving communities affected by injustice, oppression and trauma.
Our events remain free as part of our mission to awaken people to the boundless potential of our bodies, inviting them to explore the profound knowledge, memory, brilliance & capacity within. By delving into the depths of our bodily intelligence as a healing resource for not just ourselves, but as a part of the larger, global body, we have the potential for meaningful change and experiences as bodies. Join us in this journey of transformation as we redefine our understanding of the human body and its infinite capabilities. While our events remain free, any contributions are deeply appreciated and are seen as a generous gesture of support and encouragement in sharing our messages with the world.
ENCOURAGE US!: Donate $5
THE WIND BENEATH OUR WINGS. DONATE $25+
Sharing is free! And so is rating us! These are also incredibly helpful ways you can support us in sharing this transformative information.
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In this episode, the Ali converses with an education innovator, Aitabé Fornés, who is revolutionising the field through the integration of embodiment practices. Aitabé shares personal experiences and insights into how embodiment can transform traditional educational paradigms, leading to more holistic and impactful learning experiences. Through her journey of exploration, Aitabé discusses the challenges of systemic education, the power of tapping into "the field," and the profound impact of coherence in learning. Listeners are invited to reconsider the role of the body in education and explore new possibilities for cultivating deeper connections between students, their environments, and the learning process.
Exploration Points
The Integration of Embodiment in Education:
- Explore how embodiment practices can enhance learning experiences and foster deeper connections between students and their environments.Challenges of Systemic Education:
- Investigate the obstacles faced in mainstreaming systemic education and the strategies employed to overcome these challenges.Tapping into "The Field"
- Delve into the concept of accessing "The Field" and how embodiment can serve as a gateway to uncovering deeper insights and understanding.The Power of Coherence in Learning:
- Examine the role of coherence in the learning process and its profound impact on student engagement, comprehension, and personal growth.Cultural Identity and Education:
- Reflect on the influence of cultural identity on educational approaches and explore how embracing diverse perspectives can enrich the learning experience.Embodiment as a Path to Transformation:
- Consider embodiment as a transformative tool in education, empowering students to cultivate self-awareness, empathy, and resilience.Future of Education Through Embodiment:
- Envision the future of education through the lens of embodiment, exploring innovative approaches to teaching and learning that prioritize holistic well-being and systemic coherence.
MORE ALI MEZEY:Website: www.alimezey.com
Personal Geometry® and the Magic of Mat Work Course information:
www.alimezey.com/personal-geometry-foundations
Transgenerational Healing Films: www.constellationarts.com
Ali's short description of Constellation Work: https://studio.youtube.com/video/ADAHZWOzRDM/edit
MORE AITABÉ:
Website: www.sensethinking.comSocial: FB Aitabé Fornés
YouTube: Sensethinking
Contact: [email protected]
Bio:
Aitabé is a Family & Systemic Constellations facilitator and the creator of Sensethinking, an embodied approach to education that is inspired by constellation work.
Aitabé had been teaching high school for over a decade when she found Family Constellation work. As she shares in her e-book, Sensethinking: A Pedagogy for a New Paradigm, discovering constellation work changed the direction of her life. The question that arose for her after her first constellation workshop was: if this is possible, what else is possible? Working with teens and her own children, she developed the Five Dimensions of Inquiry framework for applying systemic constellation work in education. Now she trains other educators to step into their essential role of awakening the whole-body intelligence of every learner.
You can get a free copy of her ebook at sensethinking.com.
OTHER RESOURCES, LINKS AND INSPIRATIONS:
Marianne Franke-Gricksch: You’re One of Us! Systemic Insights and Solutions for Teachers, Students and Parents
ECL: Emotional Well Being, Creativity, and Learning
A paper from 2006 about the early work of ECL
Some ECL Folks:
Judith HemmingBarbara Morgan
Jane James
Janet Goldblatt
Linda Baker
The Field: In Family Constellation Work, "the field" refers to felt-sense access to consciousness in which the dynamics and relationships within a family system are explored and understood. This concept is rooted in the idea that there is an interconnectedness and energy that flows between family members, impacting their behaviors, emotions, and relationships. The field is believed to hold information about an individual's and family's history, unresolved traumas, and hidden dynamics, which can be revealed and addressed through the Constellation process.
"Maslow before Bloom": The idea is that the hierarchy of needs have to be met before students can meet educational goals.
Ho'oponopono:
Ho'oponopono is a Hawaiian practice for reconciliation and forgiveness, aimed at resolving conflicts within individuals or groups. It involves expressing feelings, listening empathetically, and seeking forgiveness to restore harmony and balance. It's also used as a personal healing practice, emphasizing taking responsibility for one's experiences and seeking inner peace through forgiveness.
Our events & content remain free as part of our mission to awaken people to the boundless potential of our bodies, inviting them to explore the profound knowledge, memory, brilliance & capacity within. By delving into the depths of our bodily intelligence as a healing resource for not just ourselves, but as a part of the larger, global body, we have the potential for meaningful change and experiences as bodies. Join us in this journey of transformation as we redefine our understanding of the human body and its infinite capabilities. While our events remain free, any contributions are deeply appreciated and are seen as a generous gesture of support and encouragement in sharing our messages with the world. -
SYNOPSIS:
In this episode, Marcella shares profound insights of our bodies as “a process,” and embracing the fluidity of movement. Drawing inspiration from the visionary founder of Continuum Movement, Emilie Conrad, Marcella invites us to delve deep into the essence of movement as a gateway to self-discovery. From exploring the fluid nature of the body to redefining the concept of embodiment, Marcella offers practical tips for fostering a sensational experience of our physical selves. Prepare to be inspired as she guides us towards a more conscious understanding of being the movement that we are and the transformative promise therein.EXPLORATION POINTS:
- Movement as Medicine: Rediscovering the body's innate and healing potential.
- Continuum and its Influence: How somatic practices like Continuum Movement inform our understanding of movement and embodiment.
- Embracing Fluidity: Exploring the body's water-like nature and its impact on sensation and consciousness.
- Contextual Embodiment: Rethinking the concept of embodiment as a dynamic and context-dependent experience.
- The Gift of Sensation: Embracing the body's capacity to sense pleasure and pain as a profound gift.
- “Cosmic Drowning”: Reflecting on Emilie Conrad's poetic insights into the unity of consciousness and movement.
- Practical Tips for Body Awareness: Simple practices to cultivate a deeper connection with the body in everyday life.
MORE ALI MEZEY:Website: www.alimezey.com
Personal Geometry® and the Magic of Mat Work Course information:
www.alimezey.com/personal-geometry-foundations
Transgenerational Healing Films: www.constellationarts.com
MORE MARCELLA:
Website: www.still-movement.comBIO:
Marcella Bottero, MA, RCST®, is a seasoned body and movement educator with over 20 years of experience. Skilled in various somatic approaches, including Fitness Training, Yoga, Continuum, and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Marcella empowers her students to realize and express their fullest potential. As an authorized Continuum Teacher by Emilie Conrad, Marcella fosters a supportive and dynamic learning environment. Explore Marcella's transformative teachings and classes at [Still Movement](https://still-movement.com/).OTHER RESOURCES, LINKS AND INSPIRATIONS:
Continuum Movement is a somatic movement practice developed by Emilie Conrad, focusing on the fluid nature of the body. It emphasizes the exploration of movement as a way to tap into the body's inherent wisdom, promoting healing and self-discovery. Continuum involves gentle, exploratory movements that encourage individuals to connect with their internal rhythms and sensations. Through practices such as breathwork, sound, and subtle movement, Continuum aims to facilitate a deeper understanding of the body-mind connection and promote overall well-being.
Emilie Conrad's Legacy:
Emilie Conrad, the visionary founder of Continuum, continues to inspire somatic practitioners worldwide with her profound insights into the nature of movement and consciousness. Through her pioneering work, Conrad invites individuals to embrace the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit, guiding them towards a deeper understanding of the body's innate intelligence and transformative potential.Scottish winds moving across Scottish barley field
Valerie Hunt - UCLALiz Koch
Barbara Mindal
The Body is a Gift with Gil Hedley: A Reverential Journey into the Human Body
LINKS TO A COUPLE OF EMILIE’s YouTubeshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAacwbfveys
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gd7FWYp-jQ
And her books
Life on Land: The Story of Continuum, the World Renowned Self-discovery and Movement Method
Engaging the Movement of Life: Exploring Health and Embodiment Through Osteopathy and Continuum
Core Awareness (Revised Edition): Enhancing Yoga, Pilates, Exercise, and DancePeace Prayer with Emilie Conrad
CONTINUUM: An Introduction with Emilie Conrad
The Play of Life with Emilie Conrad
Cass PhelpsOur events & content remain free as part of our mission to awaken people to the boundless potential of our bodies, inviting them to explore the profound knowledge, memory, brilliance & capacity within. By delving into the depths of our bodily intelligence as a healing resource for not just ourselves, but as a part of the larger, global body, we have the potential for meaningful change and experiences as bodies. Join us in this journey of transformation as we redefine our understanding of the human body and its infinite capabilities. While our events remain free, any contributions are deeply appreciated and are seen as a generous gesture of support and encouragement in sharing our messages with the world.
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In this simple, minute and a half guided meditation by Lorraine Pentello, you're invited to find immediate comfort wherever you are, whether sitting or lying down, and to explore the profound connection between your body and the world around you. Take a few moments to breathe and simply notice the sensation of support beneath you, allowing yourself to fully arrive in the present moment.
We've kept it clean so you can listen uninterrupted whenever you like. This meditation is an excerpt from Lorraine's Episode Erotic Grief & Sexological Body Work with Lorraine Pentello & Ali Mezey
MORE ALI MEZEY:Website: https://www.alimezey.com
Personal Geometry® and the Magic of Mat Work Course information:
https://www.alimezey.com/personal-geometry-foundations
Transgenerational Healing Films: https://constellationarts.com/
MORE LORRAINE PENTELLO:
www.lorrainepentello.com
BIO:
Lorraine Pentello (she/he/they)
Lorraine is a Somatic Therapist and bodyworker specialising in sexuality and trauma. They have worked in the field of sexuality for the past 26 years, starting in entertainment then shifting to healing & embodiment in 2014.
Certified in Sexological Bodywork, Embodied Counselling, Craniofacial Bodywork, Myofascial Bodywork, STREAM Scar Remediation, EMDR, EFT Tapping for Trauma, Inner Child Healing and Ego State therapy, Lorraine works holistically 1:1 with clients, both online and in person. Helping them heal emotional and physical pain.
HELP US SHARE OUR MESSAGE
Our events remain free as part of our mission to awaken people to the boundless potential of our bodies, inviting them to explore the profound knowledge, memory, brilliance & capacity within. By delving into the depths of our bodily intelligence as a healing resource for not just ourselves, but as a part of the larger, global body, we have the potential for meaningful change and experiences as bodies. Join us in this journey of transformation as we redefine our understanding of the human body and its infinite capabilities. While our events remain free, any contributions are deeply appreciated and are seen as a generous gesture of support and encouragement in sharing our messages with the world.
ENCOURAGE US!: Donate $5
THE WIND BENEATH OUR WINGS. DONATE $25+
[From time to time, a word or phrase goes wonky. Please forgive my wandering wifi.]
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This is a recording from our recent live event. Each of our events is aimed at connecting all you lovely bodies with pioneering leaders in our mission to help humans (along with other species) live our embodied wholeness for the benefit of individual and collective healing. We host multiple free events each month. Find our schedule at www.thebrilliantbodypodcast.com/events
In this episode: Join Ali Mezey, host of The Brilliant Body Podcast as she welcomes Rachel Fell for an encore to her episode ‘Bridging Divides with Rachel Fell: Neurodivergence, Conscious Body Awareness & Inclusive Intelligence ’ with a captivating Q&A session for a live audience.This event is an opportunity to engage your transformative journey towards personal and professional growth, leadership, and self-actualization with Rachel, a transdisciplinary coach, consultant, and educator. Participants will have the chance to explore the uncharted territories of their potential, guided by insightful perspectives and honest reflections.
Rachel's world is one of uncommon insight and creativity, where she serves as a thought partner to individuals and businesses seeking to elevate their next chapter. With a deep understanding of embodied intelligence, human dynamics and organizational systems, Rachel helps her clients identify and overcome obstacles, paving the way for real change, innovation, and influence to emerge.EXPLORATION POINTS & QUESTIONS
- How has René Descartes' philosophy of "I think, therefore I am" influenced our modern perception of self, and what are the implications of this for understanding intelligence?
- Can you explain the concept of neurodiversity and neurodivergence, and how it relates to recognizing and respecting diverse processing styles among individuals?
-How can we navigate the tension between valuing individual uniqueness and fostering a sense of belonging in a diverse community or organization?
-Could you discuss the concept of branding "the body" of a company as a dynamic process rather than a static entity, and what this means for organizational identity and culture?
-What are some ways non-neurodivergent identifiers can champion and include neurodivergent identifying humans?
- How can we cultivate a deeper awareness of the constant state of motion and change within ourselves and the world around us?
-What role does reciprocal influence play in shaping our reality, and how can we harness this understanding to co-create a more fulfilling life?
- In what ways does our awareness of our body and mind as living systems impact our relationships, creativity, work, and sense of meaningful contribution?
- Can you share examples of how exploring the liminal space between the known and the unknown has led to genuine creativity, innovation, and growth in your own life or the lives of others?
-How can we embrace the invitation to become more curious, explorative, and playful in our journey of self-discovery and co-creation with the full spectrum of our human intelligence?
For MORE ALI MEZEY:Website: https://www.alimezey.com
Personal Geometry® and the Magic of Mat Work Course information:
Five-films series (made by Ali Mezey) on Stephan’s work with transgenerational influences on illnessFOR MORE RACHEL FELL:
WEBSITE: https://rachelfell.com/
BIO: Rachel Fell is an independent coach, consultant, and educator decoding true identity in organizational leadership, strategy, brand, and communications. Engaging embodied intelligence, she helps her clients find the core and congruent truth of what they have to offer the world.
Rachel is a champion of radical inclusion, recognizing and celebrating diversity, both seen and unseen. Uncommonly creative and capable, she excels in challenging self leaders, entrepreneurs, and organizations to go beyond theIr prior prejudices and preconceptions of what is possible. Her sweet spot is where the interconnectedness underpinning evolution, living systems, embodied psyche, and expressing identity meet.
In addition to working with organizations and businesses on their most complex challenges, Rachel coaches neurodivergent and neurocomplex adults, guiding them on their journeys to understanding, acceptance, and success.
Herself assessed as neurodivergent in 2018, she's also a published author and speaker on the topic.Our events remain free as part of our mission to awaken people to the boundless potential of our bodies, inviting them to explore the profound knowledge, memory, brilliance & capacity within. By delving into the depths of our bodily intelligence as a healing resource for not just ourselves, but as a part of the larger, global body, we have the potential for meaningful change and experiences as bodies. Join us in this journey of transformation as we redefine our understanding of the human body and its infinite capabilities. While our events remain free, any contributions are deeply appreciated and are seen as a generous gesture of support and encouragement in sharing our messages with the world.
ENCOURAGE US!: Donate $5
THE WIND BENEATH OUR WINGS. DONATE $25+
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