Movement reveals and heals
People can see you move and that is terrifying.
Have you ever tripped in public? Did you recover nicely or did your lose your morning latte and have your bag spill out all over the street? I’ve personally done both on more than a few occasions. More often than not I recover pretty well and I just have a few dramatic stutter steps to get through before I can resume my usual pace. But there have been a few that weren’t so graceful…
One such instance was when I lived in Brooklyn. I loved living in Brooklyn - it was tough, but definitely an experience I treasure. Now, I lived alone - yes an anomaly in New York. That was a non-negotiable for me, I must always have my own personal space - no roommates. I also had a beautiful tiny lil black bear of a cat named Fats which meant I was buying kitty litter and cat food pretty regularly. This was before Doordash and Instacart - yes this time did exist. On one such trip to Target, I had grabbed the 30lb box of litter and a few snacks and was beginning to walk down the stairs to the subway. Then I heard the train coming and didn’t want to miss it, so I picked up the pace, trying to ‘race’ down the stars. Now to say it was a mile worth of stairs is probably an exaggeration, but it felt that way after half way down I missed a step and fell down a few of them, hurting my ankle, throwing litter everywhere. No one stopped. No one even seemed to notice. No one did a double take, I didn’t hear anyone laugh. But now I am sitting on the floor of the stairs in the subway in Brooklyn. Gross. After about 5 minutes of catching my breath, rolling my ankle around and massaging my leg - I gather my purchases and my dignity and made my way down the to the subway.
What a quick slap in the face from my body - slow down, you are carrying literal big, awkward, heavy things. Pay attention to this task, not what is at the bottom of the stairs - you aren’t there yet.
The more you move, the more you get to know yourself - your whole self. Mind, Body and Spirit. But it demands a level of courage we seemed to have in abundance at three years old when we eagerly pleaded with our parents, “Watch me!” But somewhere along the way, we shifted from seeking attention to silently dreading it, fearing judgment if we make a mistake.
But really, what even is a mistake?
You know what happens when you make a “mistake?” You get stronger. Your brain jumps into action, building new neural pathways - pathways that are vital to learning and improvement. With each attempt, you gradually transition from fear to triumph, strengthening your skills along the way.
With over two decades of experience as a movement facilitator, I can tell you that nothing paralyzes a class quite like the simple ask, “Take the next few moments to yourself and explore the movement on your own.” Can you imagine? Someone giving you permission to move however you please for a few minutes—it’s enough to make anyone feel exposed.
And believe me, there have been countless occasions where I’ve wanted to shrink into the shadows or conveniently take a water break during these moments of freedom.
But let me emphasize, it’s in these moments that you rediscover your true self. It is not lost on me, the incredible amount of bravery it requires to step into a new space, especially one where you’ll be exploring movement. Yet, it’s precisely in these moments that you have the opportunity to shape your own unique movement vocabulary.
Movement is a Mirror
Movement shows us exactly where we are holding back, where we are restrained, where we are uncomfortable. It acts as a mirror, reflecting our internal state and revealing the areas we need to address. When we move, we confront our fears and insecurities head-on, allowing us to break free from their grasp.
Through movement, we gain insights into our physical and emotional limitations. We discover where we are stuck, both literally and metaphorically. It’s through this exploration that healing begins. Movement becomes a powerful tool for self-discovery and transformation, guiding us towards clarity and revelation. But how does it work, and why is it so powerful?
Physical Tension and Restraint
When you start moving, your body immediately reveals areas of tension and stiffness. These physical manifestations are often tied to emotional or mental states. For instance, tight shoulders might indicate stress, while a rigid spine could suggest fear or the need for control. Movement allows you to notice these tensions, making you aware of where you might be holding back in life.
Emotional Release
Movement often stirs emotions that are stored in the body. When you engage in movement practices, you might find certain actions evoke strong feelings. For example, ever feel like you might cry during Pigeon Pose in yoga, and you don’t know why? Hip-opening exercises can release deep-seated emotions related to safety and security. By moving through these discomforts, you start to process and release the emotional baggage that holds you back.
Mental Awareness
As you move, you also become aware of your mental patterns. Are there movements that make you feel self-conscious or inadequate? Do you judge yourself harshly for not being able to perform a certain way? These mental barriers become evident through movement, highlighting areas where your mindset might be restricting your growth.
Exploration of Boundaries
When you explore different types of movement, you push the boundaries of your comfort zone. This exploration often uncovers areas where you feel restrained. For example, if you’ve never danced freely in public, doing so might reveal social anxieties or fears of judgment. Recognizing these boundaries is the first step to breaking through them.
Feedback Loop *This one is my favorite
Movement provides immediate feedback. If something feels uncomfortable or painful, it’s a sign that something needs attention. This feedback loop helps you understand your body’s needs and limitations. It also encourages you to listen to your body, fostering a deeper connection and awareness.
Vulnerability and Courage
Movement, especially in a group setting, demands vulnerability. It requires you to be seen and judged, just as you are. This vulnerability can be intimidating, but it also builds courage. The more you move, the more you expose yourself to these feelings, gradually building resilience and confidence.
The Path to Healing and Clarity
By engaging in movement, you create a space for self-discovery and healing. Here’s how movement facilitates this process:
Self-Awareness: You become acutely aware of your physical, emotional, and mental states. This awareness is the foundation for change.
Emotional Processing: As you move, you release stored emotions, freeing yourself from past traumas and anxieties.
Mental Shift: Movement challenges your mental barriers, encouraging a shift in mindset and opening up new possibilities.
Physical Release: Regular movement helps to release physical tension, promoting relaxation and well-being.
Connecting to Your Feminine Archetypes - the Feral Experience
Incorporating movement into our lives allows us to connect with our feminine archetypes. These archetypes represent different aspects of our being, each with its unique strengths and wisdom. By tapping into these archetypes, we can unlock our true potential and reach our goals.
✨ The Maiden: Embrace curiosity and playfulness. Move with a sense of wonder and exploration. Let go of self-judgment and rediscover the joy of movement.
Movement example: When was the last time you went skipping? Connect with your inner child and play a game of tag, or skip through your house for a few moments - you’ll be laughing in no time.
✨ The Mother: Nurture and care for yourself through gentle, compassionate movement. Honor your body’s needs and create a safe space for healing.
Movement example: Use tools like foam rollers or massage balls to gently release tension and promote relaxation. This practice supports self-care and helps maintain physical well-being. (I love my acupuncture mat. Pro tip: I use it when meditating)
✨ The Wild Woman: Express your raw, untamed energy. Move with passion and intensity. Break free from societal expectations and embrace your authentic self.
Movement example: Grab a prop - hula hoops or ribbon dancers are great way to challenge yourself to explore moving freely and creatively.
✨ The Wise Woman: Tap into your inner wisdom and intuition. Move with grace and purpose. Allow your body to guide you towards clarity and insight.
Movement Exercise: Finding balance between breath and body - a walking meditation in nature or even balancing on one foot while brushing your teeth or doing the dishes - you don’t have to go full tree pose, but might be a place to start.
What does it mean to be FERAL
The FERAL experience harnesses the power of movement to unlock and release trapped energy, creating new pathways for personal growth and productivity. Movement is not just physical exertion; it’s a powerful tool for shifting and transforming energy within the body and mind - I mean what did we just get done talking about?
When we engage in intentional movement, we help release stagnant energy and emotional blocks, which allows for the creation of new neural pathways. This process fosters greater mental clarity and emotional resilience. As energy flows more freely through the body, it opens up space for fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, leading to increased productivity and a more dynamic engagement with life.
By tapping into the diverse energies of the feminine archetypes—whether through the playful exploration of the Maiden, the wise introspection of the Sage, the untamed expression of the Wild Woman, or the nurturing care of the Mother—the FERAL experience can activate and channel inherent power.
This not only facilitates deeper self-awareness but also empowers you to embrace your full potential and enhance your productivity in all areas of life. Through this dynamic interplay of movement and energy work, FERAL guides you toward a more vibrant, connected, and fulfilling existence.
Are you ready?
