I have spent my entire life training in dance, getting more in or out of shape, and performing on stage, since I was three years old. I turn 50 this year. That is a long time.
I have known the experience of being more or less in the body, depending on where I am in a performance cycle. I have become softer and then firmer, tighter and then looser, more connected and then more distant from the feeling body.
I LOVE being deeply in the body. The more I put into my body, the more I get out of it. I give it time with a dance class, a workout, a stretch. I nourish it with wholesome foods—lots of protein to build muscle and high-nutrient foods like fruits and vegetables. I ensure it gets rest, doing my best to get at least seven hours a night. I keep it tidy—flossing, scrubbing, grooming. The more I move and stretch, the more my body wants to move and stretch. It is such a responsive partner.
Everything is better when you are deeply in the body.
When I guide travelers in nature, I begin by helping them get deeply connected to their bodies. I am their partner for this experience. If they are not relaxed, they may brace against the journey and not have a gentle lift-off. If the mushroom isn’t prepared properly, they may be distracted by gastrointestinal distress during the experience. If they do not feel safe with me, their journey is more likely to take a dark turn.
In the ramp-up into the experience, I help travelers accept the compound into their bodies - accept the temporary state of being that they will soon embark on - accept it all. Then they may find deep pleasure along the way.