How a Single Movement Taught Me to Live

Learn how to release emotions in a healthy way like me.

Bernadette Pleasant
4 min readMay 17, 2023

Everything happens for a reason — I have always told myself, but does it have the power to stand the ground? I mean, yes, everything happens for a reason, but does it mean we let things happen? We lose ourselves in the realm of reality that doesn’t make us feel like the main character of our lives? No!

As humans, we go through various life experiences that leave emotional imprints within us. These emotions find a home in our bodies, becoming part of who we are. Whether it’s moments of happiness, love, or sadness, our bodies quietly hold onto these feelings. Each tear shed, each laugh shared, and each ache felt becomes a part of us, like hidden messages etched on our skin. Our bodies become special containers, carrying the memories of both pain and joy. When we seek healing, it’s important to recognize and embrace these stored emotions with gentleness. By doing so, we can release the weight that burdens our souls, reignite the flame of hope, and emerge as radiant beings in harmony with our hearts and bodies.

The Discovery Within Me:

As I grew up, I started to find solace in nature, music, and movement — a refuge where my emotions could roam freely, untethered by judgment or fear. As I wandered through the vibrant tapestry of blooming flowers and swaying trees, a profound realization began to take root within me — I needed to embrace my emotions to set them free.

In a world that often demanded stoicism, vulnerability was considered a weakness. But as I dove deeper into the pool of my emotions, I discovered that it was in vulnerability where true strength resided. It took courage to acknowledge and embrace the rawness of my feelings, but the rewards were immeasurable. It allowed me to connect with others on a deeper level, to form authentic bonds, and to truly understand myself.

As I immersed myself in the exploration of emotions, I stumbled upon the transformative power of somatic practices. The movement became my language, my canvas upon which I painted my emotions. I began to move with the rhythm, not to impress or entertain, but to release. With each fluid movement, I surrendered to the rhythm of my heartbeat, allowing it to guide me toward freedom.

I discovered how to navigate the constantly shifting waves of my emotions in the careful balance of movement and stillness. On certain days, I allowed myself to move ecstatically, letting my body move in unison with the chaos inside. On other days, I looked for comfort in yoga’s calm flow, letting my breath lift my heart’s weight.

I could feel my emotions slowly unfurling with every move, like a butterfly escaping from its cocoon. My shoulders became lighter, and my chest eased. I found a great catharsis through somatic practices, a release that helped me heal and grow.

The somatic practices and emotional exploration route evolved into a lifelong journey — a dance of self-discovery. I basked in the beauty of my own pliability, realizing that emotions should not be repressed but rather welcomed. I learned on this path that I could find peace, joy, and a profound connection to myself and the world around me by letting them out in a healthy and expressive way.

I still live my life in a way that honors the ebb and flow of my emotions. With every gesture, I let go of the emotions that formerly imprisoned me as I enjoy the beauty of vulnerability. I’ve found a route to healing, growth, and a better awareness of myself through the power of somatic practices. I have discovered the confidence to be completely myself — the flawed, glorious being — in the rhythm of movement.

Learn and Teach Others:

If you, too, want to feel the transformative power of somatic practices, mindfulness, and trauma-informed healing, I invite you to take your first step on your journey. Discover the joy of facilitating these practices and guiding others toward their own emotional liberation.

Consider joining our Teacher Training Program, where you can learn to become a facilitator of somatic practices, trauma-informed healing, mindfulness, and many other things. Our program is designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to create safe and transformative spaces for others to explore their emotions and embark on their own healing journey.

Together, we can empower individuals to embrace their emotions, find inner peace, and foster a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them. Let us embark on this journey together as we move towards a brighter, more compassionate future.

To learn more about my Teacher Training Program and embark on this transformative adventure, Visit: https://www.theemotionalinstitute.com/event-calendar#!event/2023/6/8/femme-teacher-training-certification

--

--

Bernadette Pleasant

Transformational Public Speaker-Founder of The Emotional Institute-Sacred Grief Ritualist - Coach -- theemotionalinstitute.com