In this enlightening episode, host Erica Carroll sits down with Judy Lamontange, a Somatics education practitioner, yoga teacher, and wellness coach from Duncan, BC, Canada. Judy shares her incredible journey from being an athlete and personal trainer to discovering the transformative power of Somatics and yoga. They delve into the profound shifts in physical movement patterns, emotional behaviours, and attitudes toward life that Judy has experienced through these practices.
Judy recounts her evolution from a triathlete and fitness trainer to a Somatics educator, highlighting how a car accident led her to explore alternative healing methods. She explains the concept of Somatics, the difference between somatic experiencing (talk therapy) and somatic education, and the powerful technique of pandiculation. The conversation also touches on the importance of mindfulness, the impact of habitual patterns on the body, and the emotional release that often accompanies somatic work.
Throughout the episode, Judy offers practical advice for anyone looking to embark on their own path of self-discovery and transformation. She emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit and the importance of being present and mindful in everyday activities.
The discussion covers somatic resources like Thomas Hanna and Martha Peterson’s work, and Judy reflects on personal challenges, including a whiplash injury, as catalysts for growth and self-discovery. Throughout the conversation, Judy’s passion for Somatics, and her commitment to helping others unlock their potential and live a more authentic, balanced life are evident.
"Somatics isn't something that you only do with a practitioner or in a class. It's a way of living. It's a way of being in the world."
I began my life’s journey as an athlete seeking adventure and fitness, and have recently begun the adventure of discovering myself through Somatics, Yoga, Mindfulness and Meditation. I currently work as a Personal Trainer/Wellness Coach, a Somatics practitioner/educator, and recently completed my Yoga Teacher Training.
Somatics is about experiencing the body from within. As I began to explore my body somatically, I have been able to release old uncomfortable habitual physical patterns of movement, and also old and uncomfortable patterns of behaviours and attitudes. I had no idea that such gentle movements could create such profound emotional releases. Releasing chronic tightness in the body releases chronic restrictions of the emotions.
Somatics is mindfulness. I see the beauty and joy in the simplest things, and feel more accepting and less judgemental of all things, including myself. Loving compassion for myself allows me to have loving compassion for all things.
Then I discovered yoga. Yoga has brought a sense of peace into my life. Coming to my yoga mat each day is a discipline in self-care. Yoga and somatics together have developed a mindfulness and a softening that is an incredible gift to myself.
I have taught somatics for 4 years, and as I watch the class participants soften and let go as we progress through each class, I am grateful that I have the opportunity to pass on this life-changing information. As a new yoga teacher I am filled with a sense of gratitude, and I feel honoured to be able to pass on what I have learned.
Somatics and yoga have allowed me to return to my authentic self.
My purpose as a somatics yoga teacher is to educate those who are ready to experience themselves. To shed what is no longer needed, and to learn to love and accept what is. To begin this journey to the self takes courage and trust.
I honour each and everyone who starts this somatic yoga pathway.
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DISCLAIMER: The content on this podcast and website is not medical advice; it is for informational purposes only. While aiming to foster understanding on various topics, it should not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns. The views of guests do not necessarily reflect those of Alchemy of Healing and should not replace professional medical recommendations.
IN THIS EPISODE
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[00:00:00] INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
[00:06:35] EXPLORING SOMATICS: A MINDFULNESS PRACTICE
[00:07:51] SOMATIC EXPERIENCING VS SOMATIC EDUCATION
[00:13:41] THE MIND-BODY CONNECTION: THOUGHTS AND REACTIONS
[00:29:34] COMMON ISSUES ADDRESSED IN SOMATIC THERAPY
[00:39:07] THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER FOOT MECHANICS AND BREATH
[00:46:30] YIN YOGA: WORKING MORE ON CONNECTIVE TISSUE THAN MUSCLES
[00:56:10] TURNING A NEGATIVE EXPERIENCE INTO GOLD: JUDY’S PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
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