Life Changes

Updates on my journey

Photo by Suzanne D. Williams on Unsplash

Hi all! It’s been a while. I feel like so much has happened since my last post in May, and I would love to share all of the amazing changes!

Firstly, in June I did a training to become a certified sound healing facilitator, and it has been such an amazing experience so far. I started doing pop-ups in fitness spaces and hosting sound bath events to those in my community. I have found such a love for sound as a healing modality and continue to learn how to integrate this into my work with clients (I’ll get more into this later). I had my first sound bath and somatic movement event in August, and have tried to do monthly pop-ups since then. I have also hosted a virtual event where I was able to connect with people not local to Tampa, and it has truly been a blessing. I have found a love for leading groups and helping others find peace and relaxation. This was a very big venture for me, and I’m so happy it’s bearing fruit.

Also, for the past year I have been on a journey to become a yoga teacher. For accessibility, I decided to do an online self-paced program and was struggling with the motivation to actually show up and do what was necessary to move forward. It’s been weighing on my mind for a while whether or not I wanted to transition to an in-person training to truly immerse myself in the experience. Last month, I decided to move forward with a 200 hour yoga teacher training at my home studio! I was fortunate to find a program with flexible monthly meetings and various payment options, and with knowledgable and compassionate instructors. After literally one weekend of training, I knew I made the right choice. There is no replacing the connection, depth of training, and hands-on learning, in my experience. I am so happy that accessible options exist, but I know I made the right decision for myself by taking the leap and going for it. I am so excited for what’s ahead and it is already feeding my soul to be present with others who value wellness and the healing practice of yoga.

I recently attended The Holistic Therapist Conference, and was able to learn so much more about integrating holistic healing practices into traditional therapy, which has always been my goal. To expand upon this knowledge, I am also doing The Holistic Therapist Academy, a 6-month certification to refine my skills and learn to ethically incorporate alternative modalities such as yoga, sound healing, breathwork, and other types of energy healing into therapy spaces. I am so unbelievably excited for the journey ahead, and trust I am going to execute my vision to the fullest degree.

With these changes, however, I have been a bit… overwhelmed. That’s definitely an understatement. These trainings are taking over my weekends and some time during my week as well. I have less free time, readings, assignments, and have to attend lectures. I am literally going back to school! If you know me, you know I had a rough time in grad school, and it took a lot of recovery to be where I am today in my wellness journey. But even with the work load and full schedule, I am so grateful and excited to be doing what I have always dreamed, and working toward a fulfilling career that will impact many lives. I have worked so hard to get to this point and to be actively working toward my vision…there’s really no words for it.

With that said, I will be unable to make weekend plans for the next 6 months, so sorry.

In my personal life, I have started to express myself through the art of poetry. I used to write on and off in childhood and through various moments in my life, but have started to take it pretty seriously since August of this year. I have even shared some of my work at local open mics! That was an interesting side quest for me, but it has been so healing to experience the creativity and vulnerability of others and share in the energy created when we are open and supportive of each other. I found a really amazing space to connect with people in the community and just be myself. Such a beautiful thing. I have attached one piece below if you would like to check it out :)

Lastly, but certainly not least… my job allows me so much creativity and freedom to explore my clinical interests. Last month, a coworker and I started an expressive arts therapy group for teens with anxiety. We ended up having a few teen girls and we all do art together and talk about subjects such as self-esteem and identity, complex emotions, perfectionism, and ways to manage anxiety and anger. It is so healing to work with the younger generations on subjects that I definitely needed to talk about growing up. I am also planning to do a therapeutic sound bath group within my workplace in the new year. Truly a dream come true.

I am so incredibly grateful to those that have witnessed any step in my journey, gave me opportunities, or simply encouraged me to trust myself and keep going. I feel as if I have been blossoming, and I challenge myself everyday to overcome fears of being seen, of success, and of commanding a space with confidence. So much has happened in the past year, and I believe it has all led me to this moment, where I have no choice but to fully embrace myself and get closer to my vision every single day.

Love always,

Erica