The most compelling role of connective tissue may be the one it plays in interoception, awareness of the inner state of our bodies. Emerging research also links connective tissue and interoception with inflammation and depression, opening a door to new therapies for posttraumatic stress disorder, IBS, eating disorders, depression, chronic pain, and anxiety. In this Masterclass, we’ll explore: -The relationship between connective tissue and interoception -How they link to inflammation, depression, and chronic pain -Implications for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and IBS -Differences between interoceptive and proprioceptive awareness and training -How yoga, mindfulness, and manual therapy can help

In this 90-minute practice, I'll guide you through an *interoceptive* approach to connective tissue self-massage. We'll explore the front, sides, and back bodies, focusing on the chest and lymph area, shoulders, intercostals, neck, upper back, mid back, lower back, and hips. I'll follow that with a 15-minute discussion on themes for personal practice and teaching. (With time for questions.)

Why is setting boundaries so difficult? Why does it often create a residue of activation, and what can we to do navigate our (and others') boundaries more smoothly, especially in a pandemic + the shadow of war? In this Masterclass, we’ll explore: The science of interpersonal boundaries Our attentional systems and how they relate How our nervous and immune systems help regulate boundaries The energetic costs of setting and maintaining boundaries The art of communication re: limits The roles of interoception, body agency, & body ownership How empaths can generate and maintain better boundaries Boundaries in their wider social context We’ll discuss practical tools for physical, emotional, and social well-being.

In this 90-minute practice, I'll guide you through a series of movement-based and contemplative practices to determine, set, and reinforce healthy boundaries. We'll explore ways to set boundaries in and through our bodies and promote a sense of solidity and grounding. Focus areas: Feet, hands, abdomen, nervous system, and more. I'll follow that with a 15-minute Q + A.

The ability to be present with changing bodily sensations trickles up to the brain- no translation required- where it scaffolds our ability to be present with emotional and social stressors. This makes attention to bodily sensation (interoception) and to our connective tissue (a substrate for interoception) a valuable training ground for nervous system resilience, emotional balance, self-awareness, and self-regulation. Emerging research links connective tissue and interoception with inflammation, depression, PTSD, and chronic pain. This opens a door to new therapies for anxiety, depression, chronic pain, posttraumatic stress disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, eating disorders, and more. How can we apply this research to our own lives? What elements help maximize its therapeutic impact? And how can we seamlessly and safely offer this tool to others? In this daylong workshop, we’ll explore the research that links these elements together. We’ll take a deep dive into the practical aspects of connective tissue release work, including: […]

Body agency is a vital inner sense and source of body intelligence. It refers to our ability to act and move in a way that matches our intentions. Body agency is the touchstone of emotional health, and is compromised in depression, PTSD, and schizophrenia. And on a social level, it’s essential to our right to make decisions about and be safe in our bodies, In this Masterclass, we’ll explore: The five components of body agency The neuroscience of intention, agency, and action What happens to body agency in depression and PTSD Body agency in Parkinson’s, ALS, and movement disorders Revolutionary new therapies from artificial intelligence We’ll discuss methods to become aware of and empower this special inner sense.