Global Somatics Process.  I describe the form of bodywork I offer as Somatic Massage.  The primary source for the techniques I use are grounded in Global Somatics Process.  In 2009, I enrolled in a 2-year, 1400-hour Practitioner Training Program.   Our primary teacher and guide was Suzanne River, with guest teachers and apprentice teachers.  The Global Somatics Practitioner Training program was deeply informed by Body-Mind Centering®*, as well as Reiki, Craniosacral Technique*, Rolfing*, and Ceremony.  Through this training I learned a variety of techniques in Somatics… a process of mapping of the body — developing a keen awareness of all systems of one’s own body — with movement as a way of sensing, as well as other forms of sensing including touch/massage, breath, voice, art, and play.  This experience and training me a deeper and clearer relationship of my own body.  The motto of this program was  “Healing the world one cell at a time.”

*While I have learned and practiced aspects of these techniques, I am not certified nor have completed full training as a practitioner in these modalities.

Eternal Spring Chi Kung.  I began studying this artform shortly after graduating from the Green River Dance for Global Somatics.  I was looking for a practice to ground myself in.  While I was in the Practitioner Training Program, I noticed how the regular rhythm and structure of having a clear focus of study and deepening my understanding of my body was helping me, in so many ways.  In the summer of 2011, I found a flyer at my front door for a class in Tai Chi. I called the number on the flyer, met with the teacher, Jeremy Hubbell.  Jeremy had been studying Tai Chi for 7 years, under school founder Tai Chi Grandmaster C.K. Chu, in New York City.  He was just beginning to develop a branch of the school in Minneapolis.  I started with Eternal Spring Chi Kung, a series of exercises developed by C.K. Chu, specifically to help westerners approach the form of Tai Chi.  To learn Tai Chi requires stamina, strength, calmness of mind, alignment and breath.  These skills are developed through practicing Eternal Spring Chi Kung.

I had heard about Tai Chi many times, and had always thought this may be a good match for me.  I wanted to meditate, but had a hard time sitting still.  I wanted to connect with my body while meditating.  I wanted to learn how defend myself.  Tai Chi has benefited me in all these ways and more.  I’ve been steadily gaining a greater awareness of my body, breath, and mind.  I have methods to clear my energy and to renew it.  I have greater strength, flexibility, and grounding than ever, and the philosophies within the movements have informed much of how I am in my everyday life.

Four years later,  I traveled to New York City to train at the C.K. Chu School of Tai Chi.  I graduated as an Eternal Spring Chi Kung Instructor in February 2015.

People’s Movement Center.  I was a member of People’s Movement Center (PMC), a Healing Justice Collective based in South Minneapolis.  For 3 years, I offered Eternal Spring Chi Kung classes there weekly, practiced Somatic Massage in the bodywork rooms, co-organized Collective Bodywork Days and Wellness Weekends, and participated in off-site calls to action and bodywork-events.  This collaboration was founded by Alejandra Tobar-Alatriz, and was co-stewarded by Susan Raffo, Eiko Mizushima, Ayo Clemons, and Griffen Jeffries.

My experiences as an Earth and Water Protector, and an advocate for social justice and equality.   “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”  ~ Albert Einstein.  To change the world, we must also change ourselves.  My practice is rooted in deep appreciation for nature — the nature of our own bodies.  My practice is for the re-alignment and somatic re-awakening of our consciousness of our cells, to be present with change and flow.  I nurture the nurturers, those birthing a new world into existence.

My experiences as an Artist.  Connection to intuition crosses many modalities fluidly.  My practices in Butoh / Authentic Movement, Somatic Storytelling, Music improvisation, Contact Improv dance, visual art and performance experiences blend into my bodywork methods; often enabling me to sense unspoken signals and tap into other awarenesses.