Dive into the transformative world of somatic healing in this compelling episode of our podcast. Join host Alex as he engages with Stephanie Scarminach, a seasoned expert in somatic psychology from Santa Cruz, California. Stephanie shares her journey from personal struggles to finding her path in healing others through body awareness and psychological healing. This episode promises not only to enlighten but also to inspire anyone interested in turning inward to facilitate deep personal change.

In this insightful discussion, Stephanie outlines her academic and professional background, including her impactful studies at Naropa University—one of the few institutions offering a program in somatic psychology. She explains the concept of dissociation, the therapeutic power of physical presence, and her method of integrating body and mind to address trauma. Alex and Stephanie explore the growing trend of somatic practices in mental health and discuss real-life applications that demonstrate the healing potential of somatic work. The conversation is rich with personal stories and professional experiences that illustrate the significant benefits of somatic therapy.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about somatic healing from a leading expert in the field. To listen to the full episode and discover how somatic practices can enrich your life or aid in your healing journey, click here [Insert Link to Full Episode]. For more resources and information about Stephanie's work, visit her website at Stephanie Somatics [Insert Link to Website], and explore upcoming opportunities like her masterclass on understanding and applying somatic principles. Join us and step into a world where body awareness can lead to profound healing and transformation.

Key Highlights:

• 00:00 - Introduction to Stephanie and Somatic Healing
• 00:52 - Stephanie's Background and Education
• 01:04 - Understanding Somatic Psychology
• 02:33 - Personal Journey into Somatic Healing
• 06:21 - Early Challenges and Therapeutic Breakthroughs
• 11:24 - Experiential Learning and Teaching Methods
• 19:21 - The Healing Potential of Somatic Work
• 15:27 - Distinguishing Somatic Healing from Traditional Therapy
• 22:26 - Stephanie's Approach to Client Work
• 25:18 - The Impact of Psychoeducation in Somatic Therapy
• 28:56 - The Process of Reassociating with the Body
• 33:34 - Building and Offering the 30-Day Somatic Course
• 40:15 - Personal Growth and Evolving Perspective on Healing
• 47:50 - Looking Forward: New Projects and Masterclasses

Links and Resources:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniesomatics/
• Website: https://stephaniesomatics.com/
• Course: https://stephaniesomatics.com/courses

In this episode of our podcast, Alex welcomes back Nicolette de Saint-Amour, affectionately known as Niki, to dive into the intricate world of the Feldenkrais method. Fresh from completing their four-year professional training in Kelowna, Canada, Alex and Niki share their experiences and compelling insights they've gained along the way. As two individuals who started their Feldenkrais journey during the early stages of the pandemic, they've developed a deep compatibility as learners and explorers of this nuanced method. Their collaboration has not only been educational but also a great source of fun and discovery.

Throughout the podcast, Niki discusses her approach to teaching Feldenkrais classes through Red Beard Somatic Therapy, emphasizing how the method enhances sensory awareness and functional movement. Alex and Niki explore crucial concepts for beginners, such as the differences between Awareness Through Movement (ATM) and Functional Integration, two fundamental components of Feldenkrais practice. They highlight how these practices promote bodily integration and improved functionality, making everyday movements more efficient and comfortable.

Interested in understanding how gentle movements can radically improve your life? Then this episode is a must-listen! Dive deeper into the world of Feldenkrais by listening to the full episode where Alex and Niki break down complex ideas into understandable insights that can be applied immediately. Discover the upcoming lessons mentioned like "Uncommon Sensing," and explore more about Red Beard Somatic Therapy to enrich your learning. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your awareness and movement

Key Highlights:

00:00 Introduction of Nicolette de Saint-Amour
01:34 Exploration of Feldenkrais Classes
02:16 Discussion on Creativity and Course Design
04:42 Applying Feldenkrais Principles Post-Training
06:45 Functional Integration in a Virtual Setting
07:55 Reversibility and Movement Options
11:06 Unique Aspects of Feldenkrais for Beginners
16:23 Kinesthetic Appreciation and Learning Efficiency
20:36 Long-Term Benefits and Methodological Learning
24:43 Integration of Teleceptors in Movement
31:33 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

Links and Resources:

Join Niki’s Internal Coherence Workshop in Red Beard Somatic Therapy: https://www.redbeardsomatictherapy.com/workshops

In this episode, Alex sits down with Doshin Shim Roshi to explore the role of the body in Zen Buddhist practice, and its intersection with Hawaiian spirituality.

Alex and Doshin Shim Roshi discuss their shared experiences training in the Chozen-ji style of Zen Buddhist meditation. They share stories of rigorous training, spiritual insights, and the integration of life lessons derived from both Zen and Hawaiian practices. The conversation reveals how these traditions emphasize the physical body's role in spiritual enlightenment and the subtle ways cultural legacies shape personal and spiritual identity.

Engage directly with the rich traditions of Zen and Hawaiian spirituality by listening to the full episode available here. Expand your spiritual horizons and embrace the lessons discussed by two profound practitioners of Zen.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:23 Early Days and Introduction to Zen Training

03:18 First 21 Days of Live-in Training

06:03 Return to Training and Commitment

08:16 The Role of Live-in Training

10:09 The Importance of Kiai and Hara

11:59 Zen Ken Sho: Zen, Sword, and Brush

22:20 The Importance of Hara

25:31 The Connection Between Martial Arts, Fine Arts, and Sitting

29:47 The Healing Arts in Zen Training

38:37 Dub and Audrey's Influence in Healing Arts

41:48 Discovering True Self

43:28 The Unknown and Intuitive Perception

45:12 Breaking Free from Dualistic Thinking

46:40 The Importance of Hara and Intuition

50:40 Zen Integration Bodywork

53:09 Beyond Form in Martial Arts

55:04 The Mind of Intention Having no Dwelling Place

56:35 The Unknown and Intuitive Perception

58:23 Hawaiian Spirituality and Zen

01:05:28 Hawaiian Ancestry and Zen Lineage

01:08:43 Sailing and Teaching the Younger Generation

01:15:44 The Meaning of Nawelu Nakai

01:20:47 The Importance of Daily Meditation