Advance with Health

Embracing the virtual vibes today ✨working online has opened up a world of possibilities, connecting me with those unable to meet in person. Our sessions blend seamlessly, centering on your key objectives, guiding you toward your own intuitive guidance, weaving in body-centered practices such as somatic movement, TRE (tension release exercises) mindful breathing, mindfulness through embodiment practices. Let’s embark on a journey of nervous state reorganisation together, book in bio or DM for a discovery call ✨ painting by artist

Yesterday’s Authentic Movement group, I absolutely loved sharing the space with you all, coming together and exploring one’s inner world through movement. AM is a practice that allows movers to tap into their unconscious material and bring it into consciousness in a meaningful way. It’s a beautiful way to cultivate presence and deep empathy. This class drew on inspiration from developmental psychology (Carl Jung) to help participants explore their inner worlds through movement, stillness and gestures.

If you’re interested in exploring mindfulness and movement or want to develop deeper into your own personal journey, this class might be just what you need. You can find out more on the upcoming classes themovingcircle.com community initiative by

Immerse yourself in the world of integrative mind-body tools! Join me in October as I launch upcoming community events that celebrate holistic wellbeing and explore the profound connection between the body and mind.
Watch this space ✨

Embracing Embodied Freedom 🦅
Feeling the wind beneath their wings, these magical cockatoos remind us of the incredible freedom and lightness that accompanies a body free from tension and stress.

Just like these graceful creatures soaring through the sky we too have the power to unlock our own sense of embodied freedom. By embracing mind-body tools and integrating them into our lives, we can minimise the weight of daily tensions, allowing our bodies to move with ease.

Picture yourself in their place, effortlessly gliding through life, unburdened by stress and worries. Feeling the joy of being more present in each moment, fully connected to your body’s natural rhythms.

Advance with Heath and The Moving Circle community events initiatives help you tap into this remarkable state of being. Watch this space for upcoming events coming to you soon ✨✨

A dolphin dashing on a wave,
In lightning speed, she goes her way.
As the sunset glows before her eyes,
She rides the waves with joyful cries,

Focused on her direction, she darts
Grace and power that never departs.
Grounded in her pathway, she swims,
Through life’s moments she ebbs and brims.

As the waves crash and overlap,
Her spirit soars through each snap.

May we all be like the dolphin,
As the ocean ebbs and flows around her yet she remains steadfast, bold and free.
She charges forward,
May we be grounded in our path in life and have the courage to ride the highs and lows, ebbs and flows without fear but gratitude to even be here!
Her body glides through water’s deep
As if she holds some ancient secret to keep,
And in her movements we find a clue
To living life with grace and virtue 🐬
Photo credit :

In this fast paced world of constant thoughts and distractions, it’s easy to lose ourselves in the maze of our own minds. But let me offer you a powerful insight into my approach.

When you find yourself entangled in the chaos of overthinking, the quickest way to rediscover your authentic self is by shifting your focus from your head to your body. It’s a simple but profound journey from contemplation to embodiment.

Immerse yourself in the sensations, movements, and the rhythms of your physical being, and unlock a wellspring of inner wisdom and presence. It’s in this state that you forge a deep connection with yourself and the world around you.

So, take a deep breath and embrace the invitation to step beyond the confines of your thoughts. Feel the solid ground beneath your feet, synchronise with the rhythm of your heartbeat, and savor the gentle flow of your breath. Fully immerse yourself in the enchantment of this very moment.

Notice as an observer as it reveals new levels of self awareness and clarity in your life.

As a therapist, my passion lies in creating a safe and nurturing space so you can embark on a transformative journey of self exploration and growth. Through the integration of wellness practices and fostering a deep connection with the body, we work towards achieving greater health and wellbeing.

Developing a safe, non-judgemental environment and building a connected relationship with you are my top priorities. Encouraging you to enhance your trust in yourself, uncovering your innate capacities for learning, healing and personal evolution.
I am here to guide and inspire you towards feeling more present in this journey called “Life”

What is Dance Movement Therapy?
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A little about how I facilitate sessions, I’ve got your back 🙌❤️
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BONDI BLISS || There is something about getting down to the ocean that fills me up every time. How do you fill your cup up?
Photo credit :
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Bondi Bliss || There is something about getting down to the ocean that fills me up every time. How do you fill your cup up? photo credit
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Pause and heed your body’s call,
Amidst the chaos and daily thrall,
A moment to connect, a moment to feel,
A moment to restore, a moment to heal.

Let a therapeutic massage be your guide,
As you journey back to your body’s side.
Tensions released, stress faded away,
Circulation improved, muscles at play.

Mind and body united ✨💫

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On March 8th, 1994, I embarked on a journey abroad at the tender age of 18, heeding the call of my heart with unwavering conviction. Despite the inevitable fear that came with leaving my family behind, I felt a deep sense of guidance and protection that propelled me forward. My calling to venture overseas had been stirring within me since I was 16, and I knew that there were people I was destined to meet and experiences awaiting me.

From a young age, I had a profound sense of purpose to make a positive impact in my own way, in the world and help alleviate suffering. This desire to be of service and make a difference is a shared aspiration among many in our communities.

It is our responsibility to love one another, show kindness, respect the land we tread upon, and strive to be the best version of ourselves for the betterment of our families and communities.

It is crucial that we hold fast to our dreams, for they are the wings that allow us to soar. Without them, life is like a bird with a broken wing, unable to take flight. May we all embrace our unique calling and contribute our light to the world wholeheartedly 🙏

My approach to work is rooted in the deep desire to help others connect with their inner light and find their true path in life. I am committed to providing resources and tools to release trauma, tension, or stress that maybe holding them back. By doing so, I hope to help them live their lives in a way that reflects their most authentic selves. Di x

T I M E || These are the surrounds I grew up in, so much raw nature soaked my senses daily. Each sunrise and sunset provides an opportunity to engage with nature. Coming off our phones and being present with the world around you does wonders for your being.

It’s why I rarely post
It’s why I don’t cover my Insta in Insta stories daily, the nature of my work calls for mindfulness of this impulse.
I often support clients with tech addiction, who mentally are suffering, disconnected from their own sense of self. Barraged by the algorithm that adds overwhelm to their nervous system. I have to walk my talk.

I understand the nature of some businesses and the reasons behind such high content and engagement. For me it’s different
It has to be, I can’t shine a light on this aspect of mental health if I am not following suit
Time continues, like my Dad says “There’s no stopping it Di”

Do you need to do a TIME cleanse?
Technology is cheeky - it creeps up on you like a lion to it’s prey 😂🤣
Dix
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When we give ourselves the chance to let go of all our tension, the body’s natural capacity to heal itself can begin to work
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Heal yourself, but don’t rush
Heal people, but have boundaries
Love others, but don’t let them harm you
Love yourself, but don’t become egotistical
Stay informed, but don’t overwhelm yourself
Embrace change, but keep pursuing your goals

By one of my favourite quotes of his ❤️

In the end only three things matter, how much you loved, how gentle you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you - Buddha
photo credit

Reflections 🍃

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How to keep light in this world 🍃
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Reducing stress and increasing relaxation with Massage 🌿

My folks are celebrating their 53rd Wedding Anniversary today
It takes two special people
To make a loving pair
There’s a joy just being around you both
A feeling we love to share
You are the perfect couple.
Your love shines like a beacon, a guide for us to follow.
Happy Anniversary Mum and Dad, your girls feel like lucky ducks scoring you as parents 🙏
💕

This small town is one of NZ fourth biggest cities, it’s where I spent my childhood years. Dunedin taught me so much about life in it’s pure landscape.

At times the four seasons in one day taught me to show up in sun, hail, rain or storms The kind of persistence we all need in life when we are challenged, that pushing through adversity to reach the open skies. Thinking of everyone today as we collectively experience a changing landscape. I am the optimist who believes in the goodness of people, I believe in humanity at its best even though we are witnessing so much “messiness” before our eyes. I believe in my heart that we will reach those open skies through a collective push, this change in consciousness often the incoherence has to come to the surface first
to acknowledge,
to deal with before
the true light of this beautiful planet and those living on it can be revealed. There are so many incredible people, companies and communities doing game-changing endeavours. Don’t be disheartened.
💙 @[17841400461568880:6057:]

Who’s craving hugs. As we embrace friends and families again these feel good hormones which hugging releases are a necessity.

Did you know 10 secs of hugging can help ease depression, while 20 secs hugs temper the stress of conflict, relieves blood pressure. We start to experience feelings of happiness, relaxation, overall mood improvements and lower symptoms of depression.

It strengthens our relationship with our partners, friends and kids, minimising negative feelings and support a more positive state of mind.

Give it a go and observe the outcomes. Tag someone you have managed to warm up with a hug ❤️
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Advance with Health updated their address.

MIRRORING || is a practiced exercise and a tool used in dance movement therapy which enhances emotional understanding and empathy for others, helping build rapport with clients, mirroring can create fun and interactive experience.

It involves imitation by the therapist of movements, emotions or intentions implied by the clients movements.

The mirror neuron system is defined as the set of brain regions which are active both when witnessing an action and performing an action, it’s is now a popular evidence based mechanism from neuroscience research that is used to support Dance Movement Therapy clinical rationales for use of the technique mirroring.

It is important to have cognitive empathy and to also understand another persons perspective, to be aware of what they are thinking or feeling. Affective empathy is seeing someone else’s emotions and being able to feel these emotions themselves. The client is able to feel seen and acknowledged

These movement based interventions such as mirroring is a really useful technique for many population group especially children for its ability to create kinaesthetic empathy.
photo credit Simona Janek

Back in my home town of Dunedin, NZ and all it’s beauty. Has made me super reflective, this image of the hidden tunnel to Tunnel beach made me think about Rumi and his famous words.

“Allowing yourself to be drawn by the strange pull of what you really love, It will not lead you astray.”

Some call it passion. Some call it purpose. Others call it meaning, whatever you call it “It’s curiosity that pulls you closer to it.

Curiosity isn’t something you “think” it’s something you “feel” that stems from the heart.
Often when I work with clients through active compassionate listening I will be shown images through extra sensory perception i acquired from being born blind in my left eye. I see words, numbers or images that helps to join the dots for clients as we dive deep.

I am so passionate about connecting people back to those things they love, often hidden through the trials and tribulations of life, buried beneath the challenges faced.

Here is a fun exercise to do in helping you connect back with your essence, and those things you care deeply about.

Have your old journals or photo albums on hand so you can stimulate your memory along with pen and paper

Ask yourself
“What did I enjoy doing when I was 10?”
“What did I enjoy at 15?” And at 20?
“What projects did I start? What did I love about my job?
“What did I watch a lot of in my 20s?”
“What kind of books did I read most?”
“How did I express my emotions?”
“What was I good at?”
“What creative outlets did I turn to when I struggled through life?”

Go through list and circle reoccurring themes, look for a pattern
Mine were sport, art, writing and community connection through common goals.

Discover what has been there all along but we have been distracted or neglected these natural resources ignited and initiated by YOU.
Love to hear what you have discovered, Dix

THE 4 ELEMENTS OF LOVE ||
True love has the potential to heal and transform the situation around us and bring a deep meaning to our lives.

The beloved belated Thich Nhat Hanh discussed these 4 elements of true love.
- loving kindness (maître) the desire to offer happiness.
- Compassion (karuna) the desire to remove suffering from the other person.
- Joy (mudita) the desire to bring joy to people around you and
- Equanimity (upeksha) the desire to accept everything and not to discriminate.

These practices are what I believe have given our union the longevity it has sustained.
Love doing life with you!

SILENT CONTEMPLATION || Mindfulness helps you come home to the present, and every time you go there and recognize a condition of happiness that you have, happiness comes. - Thich Nhat Hanh 🙏 photo credit

Understanding Dance Movement Therapy for those of you who are keen to explore, Love Di x ❤️
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TRE (TENSION AND TRAUMA RELEASE EXERCISES)
TRE™ stands for ‘tension and trauma releasing exercises’.
It’s also known as neurogenic tremors. TRE™ was developed by Dr David Berceli in the 1990s with the aim of helping people and communities release patterns and imprints of tension and trauma through inviting a natural neurogenic tremor initiated and guided by the body, allowing for a gentle gradual and eventually deep release of tension and trauma from our body mind system.

“The human animal is designed to experience, endure, survive, and learn from traumatic episodes,” David says. “If we did not possess this ability the human species would have become extinct.”

We all experience, endure and survive stress and trauma (Greek for ‘wound’), challenging situations, during our lifetime. The idea is that in our modern world we have forgotten – or conditioned ourselves out of – this natural release and discharge mechanism, so our ability to move beyond these experiences and perhaps become more resilient has been compromised. This is what TRE™ aims to offer.
Sessions available tele-consult or in person Photo credit