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The Blog

Somatic practices, stories and tips to integrate into your life.

The Cartwheel That Reminded Me Who I Am

When was the last time you did a cartwheel? Honestly, I wasn’t even sure I still could. Part of me was bracing for a crash landing—I thought my arms might give out, or I’d end up in a heap of limbs and regret.

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Why Your Jaw Might Be Holding More Than You Think

The jaw is one of the strongest joints in the body, and we ask a lot of it - chewing, talking, and engaging all day long. Even on a good day, without added stress, it’s working hard and likely holding tension.

Try placing your hands on your jaw. See if that feels supportive. You might notice that a deep breath or sigh comes naturally. It doesn’t take much, just baby steps. These small, nurturing practices bring awareness and relief.

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I Am Not My Job, I Am My Energy

We lose ourselves daily—in responsibilities, in identities, in the noise of the world. Spiritually, emotionally, mentally. The real work is returning. Coming back to our bodies, back to our hearts.

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The Rhythm of Summer: European Hours & Kitchen Chats

How amazing would it be if the primary parent didn’t have to work when their kids were off school? I was going to just say summertime, but my kids also have a three-week winter break, a spring break, and a whole bunch of days off in between—all of which make working a 9-to-5 challenging.

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Lisa Swanson Lisa Swanson

The Power of Pausing to Celebrate

I want to honor the little things, the big milestones, and everything in between. Because here’s what I’ve noticed: as a culture, we’re not great at pausing to celebrate. Not really. Even when we do stop for a moment, we tend to move on way too fast.

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Lisa Swanson Lisa Swanson

Maycember Is a Scam (But the Kids Looked Cute at the Recital)

Maycember: that magical time of year when May morphs into December-level chaos. Except instead of twinkly lights and cozy sweaters, we’re juggling end-of-year school tests, final projects, sports banquets, dance recitals, teacher gifts, and just an overall explosion of "lasts" and "finales"—all while trying to maintain some semblance of normal family life. Why is everything so crammed into the end of the school year?

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Lisa Swanson Lisa Swanson

No One Can Hand You the Map

I see this often — clients who are incredibly aware of their patterns but still can’t seem to break them, no matter how badly they want to.

My somatic journey began in my early twenties, when I became a student of Iyengar Yoga. I loved it. It started slowly — a class here and there, then weekly, and eventually, I developed a dedicated morning practice. It transformed my life. That experience was part of what inspired me to become a bodyworker.

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Lisa Swanson Lisa Swanson

Alcoholism is a Bitch

If you're reading this and suffering from alcoholism yourself—or watching a loved one suffer—you know what I mean. My heart aches with you. It’s so painful. For the whole family. And it truly affects everyone.

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Lisa Swanson Lisa Swanson

We're Going on a Bear Hunt

There was a time when overwhelm would send me into forcing and pushing harder. But these days? I’ve learned to breathe and listen.

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Lisa Swanson Lisa Swanson

Choosing Your Soul Friend

Your Anam Cara, soul friend, is someone who believes in you, cherishes you, and wants the best for you in all scenarios. This person is not judgmental and is never trying to change you or your beliefs.

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Lisa Swanson Lisa Swanson

From Shattered to Open: How Divorce Transformed Me

Our divorce rate is high, and people sometimes think it’s contagious. I began to notice people treating me differently, not fitting in the places I used to. But honestly, I didn’t mind. I was choosing to live a more authentic life than I ever had before.

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Lisa Swanson Lisa Swanson

Dancing With Anger

Anger is a life force. It is a real, human emotion. We were meant to feel and express anger in healthy, safe ways—with safe people. We are not meant to shut it down or suppress it. When we do, that’s when we get disease and depression.

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