SomaNews – March/April 2013
Practicing Self-Forgiveness
“The truth is, unless you let go,
unless you forgive yourself,
unless you forgive the situation,
unless you realize that the situation is over,
you cannot move forward.”
Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free
What does it mean to forgive?
There are many situations in our lives where forgiveness is the force that opens us to the present moment instead of the past.
Forgiveness does not change the past,
but it does enlarge the future. ― Paul Boese
I'm often reminded that an important aspect of forgiveness is forgiving myself. We all have done things that could be considered a "wrongdoing" in different cultures ― but if we are not willing to open our hearts to ourselves, how can we open our hearts to others?
Some of us will blame the other so we don’t have to look at our part of the story. When I live in a body that is not forgiven, it becomes small and hard ― contracted by the constant barrage of self-condemnation. How could I have done THAT? And I give away my power (effectiveness) to that story.
Not forgiving myself or others creates a leak in my soul that is hard to patch. Like a water-filled container with a small hole, as the water slowly leaks out, the ability to replenish myself becomes much more challenging.
What does it take for you to forgive so that your power, your dignity and your trust in yourself can remain full? How can you walk this path with a body that is self-compassionate?
Somatic Practice for Self-Forgiveness
Stand in length, width and depth. Take a deep breath and imagine you are barefoot on the cool, moist soil of Mother Earth.
Step into your heart, feel the beat of your heart against your ribs front and back. Reach high into the clouds and draw down the energy of the mystery and pour it into your heart, letting it dilute any old stories that create disdain for your Self.
Reach out to the sides of your heart and draw the energy of family, community and connection. Let the love of others soften the stories that have held you hostage. Reach down and draw from the earth the resilience of nature and know that "wild" things never feel sorry for themselves.
Wake every morning with new possibilities and take the risks to step into them. Keep building the bone and sinew to hold yourself erect in life. Keep building the heart for self-forgiveness.
What is Strozzi Bodywork? An interview with Madeline
Last month Lana Walker, a content strategist, interviewed me about my work as a Master Somatic Coach trained in Strozzi Bodywork. The result is an informative Q&A-style article that beautifully reflects my practice.
» Read the interview on my Web site
New One-Day Retreat
In late summer or early fall, I will hold a one-day retreat in the Petaluma area. This retreat will center around creating and embodying practices to support your intentions, such as losing weight, writing a book, being able to say no, becoming a better leader. We’ll explore using ceremony, ritual, creative expression, guided imagery and other tools to help build connection with self and community.
This fun and rejuvenating retreat gives you the freedom and space to draw on your imagination and creativity. As a powerful reminder of your commitment, you can choose to create a representative symbol — such as a staff, shield, spirit box, necklace, or collage. No artistic skills required.
Stay tuned for details!
If you’re interested in bringing this type of retreat to your area, please contact me.
Upcoming Schedule
* Strozzi Bodywork, Washington DC
I was recently in the Washington DC area and New York City doing Strozzi Bodywork. I would like to thank all those who came to see me. I felt so well-received and loved. It is such a joy to see so many wonderful people who are seekers and on this path of awakening. I am happy to walk this path with you all.
I plan to return to Washington DC in the summer and fall. If you’re in that area and interested in working with me, please let me know.
* Strozzi Bodywork and Coaching, Petaluma
I’m available for coaching and Strozzi Bodywork for clients in the Petaluma/San Francisco area. As always, I'm here to support you in any way I can.
* Coaching Worldwide by Phone or Skype
Not in Petaluma or within driving distance? That's not a problem. We can talk by phone or Skype. Please get in touch if you'd like to explore working together "remotely."
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.
