I had a deep intuitive knowing from a young age that I needed to dance. I loved movement in all its forms and experienced surprising transformations through moving my body. I decided to study dance full-time at university and it was there I began my training in gentle somatic methods. I was amazed to experience profound levels of healing through the work. It sparked a curiosity in me about how movement could have such a big impact. 

At the same time I was engaging in service in my community, volunteering with battered women, working with young children, helping neglected and abused dogs. I saw how many people were disconnected from their bodies, understandably so under the circumstances. 

It was so clear to me through all of these experiences that the body holds a wisdom beyond what most people realize. It seemed to me the body held the answers to most deep change and healing. 

It became a passion and I embarked upon over twenty years of research and practice into somatic and other methods of healing and transforming body and mind. Things like yoga, meditation, Qi Gong, sacred and contemporary dance forms, the hows and whys the body is the key. I found life, vitality, joy. I wanted to shout what I had learned from the rooftops. We all have a body. Anyone can do this. I developed a deep desire to share those methods that had worked for me and make these more accessible to others. 

When Giselle and I reconnected, it seemed our lives had been following parallel paths that always brought us back to healing. I felt called to support others on their healing journeys. The Embodiment Institute was born out of our friendship and this collaboration, this deep wish to share.

Andreanna