My Philosophy
Body and Movement-Oriented, Whole Person Care
Transformation occurs when we honour the inseparable nature of our minds, bodies, and spirits. My body of work and guiding principles are inspired by the teachings of my first true teacher in yoga and buddhism, Shoken Michael Stone, who I met in 2013 and studied with until his tragic passing in 2018.
He taught Radical Interdependence, which continues to shape the heart of my intention and what I strive to bring forward into the world.
With gratitude, I bow to my teachers and the medicine lineages, which have learned me on this land at this time and in this body-mind.
For as many steps as I may walk through this lifetime, may I welcome the pointings of my many teachers. The calls for listening and remembering the beauty of our true nature.
What is Radical Interdependence?
Radical Interdependence is a teaching from my late teacher Michael Stone, and centers on the recognition that we are deeply connected to each other and inter-exist as part of the world around us. It invites us to live ethically, embrace mindfulness, and align our actions with our values.
Four steps for Radical Interdependence
1
Simplicity. Voluntary poverty. Take only what you need.
2
Be aware of your needs and the needs of others.
3
Develop an ecological sense of self. See how you rely on the air, water, and food systems.
4
Model these ideas. Teach by modelling these ethics.
How This Shapes My Practice
In my sessions, you’ll experience an approach that weaves these principles together with integrative somatic trauma therapy, mindfulness and compassion practices, and movement-oriented somatic expressive arts. This means:
A Holistic Perspective
We’ll work on the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of your well-being, acknowledging the interplay between them.
Community as Foundation
Healing thrives in connection. Group sessions like Somatic Movement and Yoga, community meditation, and retreats create spaces for shared growth and mutual support.
Embodiment and Mindfulness
We’ll use tools like body awareness, expressive arts, dance, and mindful movement to help you align with the present moment and discover inner resilience.
The Five Yamas as taught by Michael Stone:
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Recognizing that I am not separate from all living beings. This is the precept of non-harm.
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Speaking the truth as I perceive it and not deceiving anyone. This is the precept of honesty.
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Being satisfied with what I have. This is the precept of not taking what is not given freely.
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Encountering all with respect and dignity. This is the precept of chaste conduct.
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Using all the ingredients of my life. This is the precept of generosity and non-acquisitiveness.
Influences on My Philosophy
This approach is deeply inspired by:
Michael Stone
My work is deeply informed by Michael Stone’s innovative teachings on yoga, interdependence, and the integration of Buddhist practice with somatic psychotherapy. His commitment to socially engaged practice, mental health, and collective care continues to shape how I understand healing as both a relational and embodied process.
Mindfulness Practice
I maintain an ongoing mindfulness and somatic practice, including regular study of yogic philosophy, Buddhism, breathwork, and somatic expressive arts, as well as continuing education with the Hakomi Institute. I receive ongoing teachings from Elise De Villiers, a senior teacher with the Art of Living, a world-wide humanitarian organization offering trauma relief, and from Leila Stuart, a yoga therapist and educator with more than four decades of experience, along with guidance from other trusted mentors. I also serve as a standing member of the ethics committee in my Zen community.
Body Intelligence and Wisdom
I am guided by the transformative insights of somatic psychotherapy, which recognizes the body as a vital source of wisdom and healing. My approach is enriched by the work of teachers such as Liz Koch, Leila Stuart, the late Thomas Hanna, and by the broader field of somatic inquiry into how we inhabit ourselves—our physiology and heart-minds—and renegotiate the inevitable traumas that ripple through our lives, bodies and intergenerational histories.
Why Radical Interdependence Matters
In a world that often emphasizes individualism, this practice reminds us of our interconnectedness. It empowers us to connect with ourselves, our communities, and the land.
Through this lens, healing becomes a path where we can learn to rely upon one another and trust in the steadiness of the earth, fostering resilience and harmony in individuals and in the broader world.
Join the Journey
Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, support in unwinding trauma, or simply a space to reconnect with your truth, my approach to healing offers a path forward. Together, we’ll uncover the strength within you to embrace life with freedom, grace, and resilience.