SomaNews – September/October 2013
Walking with Change
“You're always you, and that don't change,
and you're always changing,
and there's nothing you can do about it.”
― Neil Gaiman, The Graveyard Book
Change is constant. Our body changes, our voice changes, the color of our hair changes, the texture of our skin changes.
Outside ourselves, seasons change, flowers bloom and wither, fruit appears and drops, leaves change from green to reds, oranges, yellows and then to brown. As I look out the window of a room painted stark-white, I see that fall is demanding change!
Life demands change. We can walk into life holding tight or pushing it away, or we can walk into it like nature – relaxed and open to the adventure, knowing that parts of us will die, but in that death change becomes the deep, rich nutrient that supports our growth.
To walk with change you must: have Courage, open your Heart, be in Action, Nurture yourself, be Grateful, and willing to Evolve.
Courage – the ability to look change directly in the eye and breathe, even smile
Heart – to open ourselves to change and see it as a gift
Action – to keep moving forward no matter where change takes us
Nurture – to hold ourselves and others through change with compassion
Grateful – to see change as a thank-you
Evolve – to know that through change we grow
Think of a time when you had to make a change – whether it was something simple like going from a manual car to an automatic, or something bigger like moving into a new job.
Take a moment to feel your breath. Tighten your stomach, take short breaths just to your collar bone – this is how most people go through change. Feel what it "takes" to do this.
Now loosen your stomach and take some deep belly breaths. Is there more space? Can you feel the earth under your feet?
To change we must have a body that is alive, relaxed, strong and balanced. Just changing your breathing pattern can be such a gift in change.
New Facebook Business Page
In addition to my personal page, I now have a Facebook business page. Do stop by and Like!
https://www.facebook.com/madelinewadesomaticcoach
What are ways you walk with change?
Please feel to share your stories or practices on my page here.
Custom Retreat
This one-day retreat centers 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!
If you’re interested in bringing this custom retreat to your area, please contact me.
Grateful for Hospitality
I would like to thank everyone that opened their homes and offices to me and all those who came to see me during my recent trip.
It was a wonderful experience and I look forward to coming back to the DC area and the Concord, Mass. area in the spring!
Somatic Bodywork and Coaching Services
I’m available for hands-on Somatic Bodywork and coaching for those in the Petaluma/San Francisco area. 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.
