Awakened Body

I had the honor to sit down with my teacher and colleague, Galina Ivanova Denzel last month to talk about my transition to a somatic dietitian. Here is what Galina had to say and our conversation:

If you had told me years ago that a somatic dietitian exists, I would be on the first plane to go meet them live and say thank you!

Thank you for putting food and eating behaviors and the body in one room! Thank you for seeing that I am more than how I eat! Thank you for acknowledging that my body is not a problem to be solved, but a solution to be discovered!

Today I share with you Shannon's story!

She is a graduate of my program, a Somatic Experiencing colleague and an exceptional and devoted professional who I am proud to know and love!

Tune in and discover:

* How Shannon integrates somatic healing with being a dietitian and intuitive eating practitioner

* Where trauma, intuitive eating and somatic work intersect

* How being a part of Galina's small group provided profound healing and support and what were the really crucial elements of transformation for Shannon's - both personally and professionally

* Shannon's guidance and words of wisdom for those of you considering somatic healing as a way to resolve your life long struggle with food

You can connect with Shannon at www.awakened-body.com

Thank you dear Shannon, for your generous sharing with our community and all your work in the world!

https://youtu.be/q2vlikD3Mvk

Interview with Shannon of Awakened Body Galina + Shannon

When you think about your food environments do they allow your body to soften, find ease, and rest? Or do they keep you on edge, hypervigilant and uneasy? There’s a palpable difference.
For many people who struggle with their relationship with food, sitting down to eat can bring a lot of worry and anxiety. For some, it feels like an actual threat. “Is this ok?” “Is this too much?” “What’s in this?” “If I eat this, will this make me gain weight?”
Softness speaks to an ease within. Feeling relaxed, curious, and open. This is what I hope my clients can find. The key is connecting to the body. It’s the noticing. Can you feel the difference between the times you feel softness versus survival? Even outside your food relationship?

If you’re interested in learning more about how you can stop feeling threatened by food, find softness in your body, and curiosity about a new relationship with yourself, check out my online somatic intuitive eating group, starting January 12th. DM me with any questions.

https://awakened-body.com/five-foundations-to-heal-your-relationship-with-food-and-your-body/

The holiday season is here! For anyone who struggles with food, these next six weeks may bring more than just tidings and cheer. They may bring anxiety and fear.
I wrote this little guide to the holidays several years ago. If Thanksgiving food makes you anxious, this week, practice “The gift of permission.” This is one of the foundations of healing your relationship with food.
The Thanksgiving table may be full of some heavy hitters that you may be fearful of. Can you pick one item that has the least amount of “charge” and make it this week/weekend? Practice eating it in a calm environment. No screens, no distractions, just you and your food. Really take time to taste and notice the flavors and texture. Notice how your body feels before you eat it and as you’re eating it. Take time to pause, maybe bring a hand to your heart, to your stomach. Feel your feet on the floor, your seat and back on the chair.
Part of this work is to help you be IN your body as you eat the food. When you have a food you deprive yourself of and then allow it without being in your body, you’ll likely go into f*ck it mode. You’re totally disconnected from your body and eat to a point where you are so full, that you spiral into shame.
Practicing before the big day can be helpful as you may be around people who trigger you, or feel overwhelmed. Know that all of this is a process. Even if you do overeat or eat in a way that you wish was different on the day, it’s okay. The food relationship is so multi-layered. And you may be looking at some of the faces at your Thanksgiving Day table that had a hand in that. Stay kind with yourself. 🧡
https://f2q2f3.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/An-Intuitive-Eaters-Guide-to-the-Holidays.pdf

What food makes you the most anxious at Thanksgiving?