SomaNews – January/February 2013
The Grab
As we walk down our path with eyes open, living in our bodies, feeling we have a grasp on those stories that make us feel so small, a hand reaches out from the unknown and grabs us.
Some of these "grabs" are positive, such as receiving an unexpected gift. Some are negative, such as receiving an unexpected bill. It’s these negative surprises that can affect us the most — creating contraction in our bodies, shortness of breath, a tightening in the eyes. We are thrown off center.
As somatic practitioners know, by working through the body we can re-center ourselves so that we can allow such grabs to move and not hold us hostage.
I am having a negative grab right in this moment. As I sit here and type my SomaNews, a grab that says “You really don’t know what you are doing, Madeline” pounces and drags me into old stories that we agreed should not be told anymore.
I pause and consider my choices. I can stay in the clutches of this grab and never send out this newsletter, and live in fear and limitation. Or I can open up to the stories that should be told and continue to walk my chosen path.
Taking back my power doesn’t mean that fear and limitation immediately disappear like the magician and her magic scarf. It means that I have built a body that is capable of being curious and resilient, and I can keep moving down the path.
What happens in your body when you get a grab?
In a world with more than 7 billion people, unless we choose to live alone in a cave, we’re bound to be challenged! What happens in your body when life grabs you from behind and challenges your commitments or hard-won new stories?
Your automatic, conditioned response may be to 1) move away, 2) move toward or 3) fight. When I get an unwelcome grab, I tend to initially freeze and then move away with a historical story of resignation. My whole torso collapses. To reshape my response and move back into my chosen story, I take a deep breath, center my body, connect with nature, and call in memories of experiences that empower me.
Doing this now quiets that old story that grabbed me, allowing me to write my newsletter and create anew the stories that bring me to the present moment and empower me to move forward.
Personalized One-on-One Workshops
Imagine a one-on-one, personalized half-day workshop based on somatic work just for YOU, held in the privacy of my home in Petaluma.
In our time together, we'll explore what matters to you most and identify ways to support your commitment. It may be a commitment to love and accept yourself, to develop appropriate boundaries, to practice compassion, to better lead at home or at work.
As a powerful reminder of your commitment, you'll have the opportunity to create a representative anchor or symbol — such as a staff, shield, spirit box, necklace, or collage. No artistic skills required!
Sound intriguing? To learn more, see details on my site here.
"Bella" update
Although I missed my October publishing date, my short story "Bella Finds Her Body" is well underway. I've received the copy back from my wonderful editor, and I'm now working on illustration ideas. Recommendations for a children's book illustrator are welcome. Here is a style I like:
I look forward to sharing this sweet story with you soon!
Upcoming Schedule
* Power of Resilience Workshop in Petaluma
On Saturday, March 2 Jeannie Kerrigan and I will be presenting our Power of Resilience Workshop at my home. I'd love to see you there.
* Strozzi Bodywork in Washington DC and New York City
I'll be in the Washington DC area March 19-23
If you're in the DC area and would like a Strozzi Bodywork session, please contact me to schedule an appointment.
A few days later I'll travel to New York City. I'll be there March 26-28. Feel free to call or email me if you're in that area, and I'll get back to you with more details.
Contact Me
I would love to hear from you. Feel free to call or send an email.
Madeline Wade
Phone: 707-480-3846
Email: madelinewade@comcast.net
Web site: madelinewade.com
About Madeline
Madeline Wade is a certified Master Somatic Coach with a private practice in Petaluma, California. As a master coach, she helps people increase their effectiveness and unlock their potential by integrating intellectual, emotional and physical components into embodied practices. In her work as a deeply-experienced Strozzi bodyworker, she supports clients in overcoming historical patterns to build a self that can gracefully face change.
Madeline has studied for 15 years at the Strozzi Institute and has more than 25 years of business experience.
