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”
Embarking on a path toward healing and self-discovery through somatic practices began in the midst of my own personal struggles, growing up in an environment that often felt as confining and dangerous as a house engulfed in flames, with no clear exit in sight. This pervasive feeling of being trapped, alternating between triggered states of vigilance and overwhelming stress, mirrored a larger, shared experience—a quest for connection and presence in a world that frequently leaves us feeling lost and disconnected.
This narrative, deeply personal yet universally resonant, forms the core of why I've chosen to share my story and create these resources. It's a testament to the transformative power of somatic practices—a beacon of hope for those of us navigating the murky waters of mental and emotional disconnection. By shedding light on my journey, I aim to illuminate a path for others, especially in such a time when the mental health of our youth stands at a precarious crossroads.
In talking about this path to healing, my intention is to strike a balance between genuine insight and practical application. The shift from navigating life in survival mode to discovering a tangible sense of aliveness and reality was profound. It involved embracing and learning to attune to my body’s subtle signals—a journey marked by its challenges but rich in rewards. Over time, I've had the privilege of sharing these lessons with individuals across the spectrum of age and experience, from children to seniors, witnessing the universal applicability and impact of these practices.
I've seen time and time again, the incredible transformations that awareness, breath, and movement can inspire. From a young child in an after-school program awakening to her own sense of wonder to a 92-year-old widower finding solace in a deeper breath, to a businessman who initially mocked the practices only to find himself profoundly moved to tears during his first time on the mat. Every day, my journey intersects with these stories of healing and discovery, reaffirming the potent healing and hope that somatic practices offer.
This journey—my journey—into the essence of somatic spaces began with a simple yet profound suggestion to try yoga. This advice, offered during a therapy session, opened the door to a new chapter characterized by small, deliberate steps toward integrating mind, body, and breath. This exploration, though marked by awkwardness and moments of grace, taught me the invaluable lesson of presence, a lesson that rippled outward to touch the lives of those around me.
Driven by a newfound passion and recognizing that where I lived, there was a gap in accessible somatic practices and yoga classes for children, I ventured into teaching, aiming to bridge this divide. The insights gained from a comprehensive 200-hour teacher training illuminated the profound impact of yoga and somatic practices on individuals across the age spectrum, underscoring the universality of our need for connection, presence, and healing.
"Living Mangaliso" ( Zulu for “You Are an Amazement”) emerged not just as a name but as a mission—a call to recognize and celebrate the inherent marvel within each of us. This mission has evolved into more than a practice; it has become a way of life, championing the journey of reconnection through the lens of somatic practices.
What began as "Living Mangaliso" has flourished and expanded into a broader initiative with the creation of Ink and Insight Collective, a publishing arm dedicated to crafting and disseminating resources aimed at fostering hope and healing. This evolution marks a significant milestone in our journey, enabling us to reach wider audiences and provide a diverse array of tools and stories designed to inspire, educate, and support individuals in their quest for connection and well-being. At Ink and Insight Collective, we are committed to producing materials that not only illuminate the path toward personal and communal healing but also empower educators, parents, and individuals from all walks of life to embrace the transformative power of somatic practices.
As we embark on this shared journey, let's celebrate the moments of discovery, the challenges, and the triumphs, for it is within these experiences that we find our true amazement. 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!
