Hello friends,

People look for Tai Chi and Kinesiology when they are dealing with pain or injury. So I often meet people when their bodies start to hold them back, often during or after midlife. But mainly the physical challenge is only the tip of the iceberg. What they are really navigating underneath the surface is a crisis of identity.

The second half of life is often riddled with major life transitions. It might be kids leaving home, more leadership responsibilities at work, or changes in health status – and often it’s many transitions at once.

My professional experience has blessed me with witnessing many people go through this midlife threshold. On one hand, this life stage is steeped in loss and confrontations with mortality. At the same time, this time is also ripe with the sacred opportunity to reconnect to oneself and what really matters…

That is, if you are able to turn and face the uncertainty.

We often talk about “midlife crises". Let’s not overlook what everyday words hide in plain sight. The word “crisis” derives from the proto-indo-European root “krie”, which refers to a sieve. Sieves are used in cooking and science to separate ingredients. It’s the same root that gives us words like: discern, discriminate and ascertain.

Seen under this light, a “crisis” is literally a filter for our lives, helping us to understand what’s really true or important. That’s how a “crisis” becomes a chrysalis. A container for metamorphosis.

The wisdom that results from this process is something our world desperately needs.

This process is natural and biological. Within you lies an instinct that propels you through this time of change. The best way to access that inner wisdom is through listening to the body at a deep level. That requires skill, guidance and containment.

That is where somatic work has a lot to offer. It’s one of the tools I use to help people connect to their bodies, heal pain and uncover mental clarity.

If you are going through a midlife chrysalis, or have recently been through it, I’d love to hear from you.

​Reply here and let’s get on a quick call. Your experience also helps me and others. I'll also share how I can help or direct you to the right tools based on where you're at right now.

Blessings on your passage either way.

Here for you on the journey,
Gabriel

Healing Shares

Each week I share tested resources from fellow experts, that I use personally and with clients, to assist your self-discovery.
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• Why Midlife Feels Like Exile and Why That's a Gift (1-hr podcast)​
  ​This is a conversation between two of my favourite thinkers on the subject, David Whyte and Chip Conley. Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify.​
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• How to Fix Muscle Knots in Your Upper Back (3-min video)​
  ​Ever bothered by knots behind your shoulder blades? Here's an easy trick that works better than stretching. I often teach decompression like this in kinesiology and Tai Chi.
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• Interested in a 2-Day Pain Relief Through Movement Workshop? (waitlist)​
  ​One of you shared this with me. It's a form to determine if people want to bring the founder of Essential Somatics, Martha Peterson, for an event in Victoria.

Thanks for being here with us. Did anything stand out to you? Please reply to let me know. We always enjoy hearing about your favourite resources, too.

Gabriel

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