Somatic Spaces for Hope, Healing and Health
You are a person; in your personhood, you inhabit a body; in inhabiting a body, You take up space. Learning how to take up space and not play small is the journey of our lifetimes!
My “WHY”
Somatic Spaces: The Series to Bring Hope, Healing, and Health
My journey into somatic practices began in the midst of survival—growing up in an environment that felt as confining and unpredictable as a house on fire, with no clear way out. The constant oscillation between hyper-vigilance and exhaustion was more than just personal; it reflected a larger, shared experience—one of feeling trapped, disconnected, and unseen.
This sense of disconnection is why I share my story and create these resources—not just as a personal narrative, but as a bridge toward hope. Somatic practices became my way forward, not as an abstract theory, but as something deeply real—a return to presence, a reclaiming of breath, a reawakening of the body’s wisdom.
From Survival to Embodied Presence
The shift from living in survival mode to experiencing aliveness was profound. It was not about "fixing" myself but learning to attune to the subtle signals of my body—listening instead of overriding, moving instead of freezing, breathing instead of bracing.
Over time, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing these practices transform others—a child discovering wonder in her own breath, a 92-year-old widower finding solace in stillness, a businessman who scoffed at somatic work until, for the first time, he found himself moved to tears on the mat. These moments are what fuel this work—proof that healing is possible at any age, in any body, no matter the story carried within.
The Birth of Living Mangaliso
It all started with a simple suggestion in a therapy session: try yoga. That one invitation opened the door to a new way of being—one that led me to teaching, to guiding, and eventually, to creating. Where I lived, there was a gap in accessible somatic practices, especially for children. Stepping into that space, I began teaching, and through a deepening understanding of these practices, I saw firsthand the universal need for connection, presence, and healing.
Thus, Living Mangaliso was born—Mangaliso, a Zulu word meaning “You Are an Amazement.” It became more than just a name; it became a way of life, a mission to recognize and reclaim the inherent marvel within each of us.
From Living Mangaliso to Ink & Insight Collective
What started as a personal healing journey has grown into something larger: Ink & Insight Collective—a publishing arm dedicated to crafting and sharing resources that bring hope, healing, and embodied presence into everyday life. Through books, journals, and creative works, we offer tools that:
Hold space for grief, transformation, and self-discovery.
Provide tangible ways to reconnect with the body and breath.
Offer guidance for educators, parents, and seekers longing for depth and meaning.
This is the work now. Creating spaces—on the page, in practice, and in life—where people can rediscover themselves, step into their own amazement, and move toward healing in ways that feel true, embodied, and lasting.
An Invitation to Begin
You are not alone in your search for healing, for presence, for something more. Wherever you find yourself, this space is for you. Let’s walk this path together.
Welcome to the journey. Welcome to the exploration that is Living Mangaliso.
Somatic Spaces Series: The Resources
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Children
Growing Up Grounded: Tools for Emotional Health - The Body's Story: Discovering Somatic Spaces, A Journey to Emotional Well-Being - Including Activities & Reading for 8-12-Year-Olds"
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Teens
More Coming Soon
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Educators
The Educator's Ultimate Guide to Somatic Solutions for the Classroom from Preschool to College, Plus Self-Care Strategies for Teachers and Parents ... Life Through Awareness and Intention)
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Walking With Emotions: What Does it Look Like? What Does it Feel Like?
Walking With Emotions: What Does It Look Like? What Does It Feel Like? - A Somatic Solutions Activity and Coloring Book Introduction to Mastering Emotional Regulation and Exploring the Sensations of Your Inner World" is a unique and innovative tool designed to help individuals connect deeply with their emotions and sensations. This coloring book offers a hands-on approach to emotional regulation and self-discovery, providing a creative and engaging way to explore the intricate landscape of your inner world.
As you journey through the pages of this book, you'll encounter a variety of activities and prompts that invite you to explore your emotions and sensations in a safe and supportive environment. From breathing exercises and gentle movements to meditative practices and personal reflection, each tool is carefully crafted to help you feel grounded, centered, and connected to yourself.
Key features of the book include:
Emotion Wheel: A visual guide to help you identify and label your emotions, providing a starting point for deeper exploration and understanding.
Emotions as Weather: An imaginative exercise that encourages you to describe your emotions using the language of weather, offering a new perspective on your inner experiences.
Emotions as Waves: A metaphorical exploration of emotions as ocean waves, helping you recognize the ebb and flow of your feelings.
Exploration of Emotion: Dedicated sections for various emotions such as happiness, sadness, and fear, each with activities and prompts to guide your exploration.
Colors and Emotions: An activity that invites you to associate colors with your emotions, providing a creative way to express and understand your feelings.
Music and Its Influence: An exploration of how music can impact your emotions and mood, encouraging you to discover the role of music in your emotional landscape.
Creating an "Umbrella": An exercise to help you identify coping mechanisms and support systems that provide shelter from emotional storms.
Exploration Through Landscape: Activities that use natural landscapes like oceans and mountains as metaphors for emotional exploration.
Exploration Through the Seasons: A journey through the seasons as a reflection of the changing nature of emotions and sensations.
"Walking With Emotions" is more than just a coloring book; it's a somatic solutions guide that empowers you to master emotional regulation and explore the sensations of your inner world. Whether you're seeking a deeper understanding of your emotions, looking for new ways to express yourself, or simply searching for a moment of peace and mindfulness, this book offers a valuable and accessible resource for your journey.
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Growing Up Grounded Class
Growing Up Grounded: A Class for Kids Ages 8-12
Join us on an exciting journey with "Growing Up Grounded," based on the insightful book by Elle "Mims" Driscoll-Miller. This class is specially designed for kids aged 8-12 to help them navigate life's challenges with confidence and resilience.
Class Highlights:
Introductory Videos: Start with engaging videos for both parents and kids to understand the course structure and its benefits.
10 Empowering Chapters: Dive into ten interactive chapters filled with tools and strategies to help kids process their experiences, manage their emotions, and regulate stress effectively.
Body Awareness: Learn how to listen to your body, understand its signals, and respond with care.
Emotional Intelligence: Explore techniques to identify, express, and manage emotions in a healthy way.
Stress Management: Discover practical methods to handle everyday stresses, from schoolwork to friendships.
What You'll Gain:
Resilience: Build a strong foundation to face life's ups and downs.
Self-Awareness: Develop a deeper understanding of your own body and emotions.
Confidence: Gain the tools to navigate challenges with ease and assurance.
Enroll in "Growing Up Grounded" and equip your child with the skills they need to thrive both now and in the future. Let's grow up grounded together!
