Happy Summer Solstice! After a long and somewhat rainy spring here in Virginia, summer is here in all it's boldness! The long days, bright heat, and sharp visibility of this season – and this moment in history – feel like an invitation to come out of hiding, to move past what we've been held hostage by, to take up space. Alongside that invitation, I’m noticing a deepening clarity about what matters and the importance of acknowledging and turning toward it.

I've been working with some clients this month on the theme of facing what matters – not with perfection or performance, but with presence. What helps us meet the moment, especially when it’s uncomfortable, overwhelming, or uncertain? What does it feel like, somatically, to orient toward what we care about – instead of away?

In somatics, we explore how we meet life through the body: collapsing, over-efforting, bracing, checking out…or staying connected. The radiance of this season and the pressure of this time can bring out any of these patterns, and our work is to notice them with care, and to listen for the places where choice is possible.

I have a few upcoming offerings this month that are invitations to move, breathe, and listen for what matters – to stay grounded and open even when things feel bright, fast, or intense.

Let’s practice meeting the moment – facing what matters – with steadiness, care, and curiosity.

Warmly,
Erin

Somatic Practice

Here's a shaping practice to help you understand your habitual responses.

Start by bringing to mind something that matters but is hard to face – not too intense, but something that feels a little pressured.

1. Make the shape of "pushing against" – then make the shape of the opposite of that, whatever that is to you.

2. Experiment with making the shapes of these responses, then the opposite:

   • moving away

   • bracing

   • avoiding

   • softening

   • over-efforting

   • checking out

3. Finally, make the shape of "moving toward". How does this feel different?

4. You might take a few minutes to journal or reflect on how familiar, comfortable, or habitual these shapes are. What are you learning about your habits and patterns? What else might you choose?