I have been following Nicole Smith Levay for some time and I am so excited for this conversation with her about Self Love and Living Authentically! Major life transitions always send us in a new direction.
When Nicole suffered from chronic pain, she discovered her scoliosis would put an end to her dancing career. But her love for yoga and meditation paired with her body awareness from dancing led her to eventually acquire a Masters in Somatic Psychology.
What is Somatics or Somatic Exeriencing? Much like yoga, mediation, dance or any movement practice, somatics makes up aware of our mind body spirit access points. While some people have more access at certain points, the important thing is to reestablish the connection between the three.
"Somatic therapy incorporates body-oriented modalities such as dance, breathwork, and meditation to support patients through their healing journeys. In addition, somatic experiencing therapy sessions include talk therapy and mind-body exercises. This therapy aims to help release how a physical body holds on to stress, tension, and trauma, rather than only resolving problems verbally." - Verywellmind.com
In this episode we explore the meaning and benefits of somatics, and discuss the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in order to as Nicole puts it: "Re-Member and integrate that truth back into your existing life."
Nicole recently shared about an experiment in authenticity on social media, creating a separate account to practice sharing more openly without fear of judgement. "I went into those outcasted parts for me and went for it, and it was so much fun. I had been shutting down parts of myself because I thought - this isn't professional - and now it's all coming back." The first thing Nicole posted on the separate account was a picture of her body, something that so many of are fearful of. "There's this mind body split in our society. Body is only seen as objectified and for the soul purpose of procreation or sexual stimulation. What can we explore in this gray area?" Nicole Smith Levay
What would be the first thing you would share if no one was judging?
Nicole is a former professional dancer turned Energy Coach who integrates somatic therapy, meditation, and breathwork into healing sessions and classes for women who struggle with anxiety and depression. Her work through Power Within Healing creates a safe integrative space for those overcoming adversity, and embraces the philosophy that pain is a teacher, and awareness through somatics is the medicine. To see all her offerings head to her main site: www.thepowerwithinhealing.com
Find Nicole online here: https://www.instagram.com/nicolesmithlevay/ https://www.facebook.com/nicolesmithlevay
Samantha Long is a yoga instructor, self care mentor, motivational speaker, and the host of the Self Care Is My Job podcast. You can find her online here: www.alignedheart.net If you would like more information about working with Sam through private yoga and mediation sessions, to prioritize your self care and enact changes in your life, or for speaking engagements, please reach out at selfcarewithsam@gmail.com.
Visit Sam online here: www.alignedheart.net
https://www.instagram.com/the_aligned_heart
linktr.ee/samanthalong
AMARE MENTAL WELLNESS COMPANY (Fundamentals Pack): https://amare.com/g10/63334
*This Content is for personal development purposes and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions*
#selfcare #selflove #authenticity #yoga #somatictherapy #somaticexperiencing
