Next Steps: Support Megan’s Journey in Healing Work
Donation protected
GOAL ACHIEVED - THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!!
I feel so incredibly grateful and honored - in less than 27 hrs, 41 people donated $2300 on this site and directly to support me going to the Strozzi Institute Embodied Transformation course next week. Some prefer to remain anonymous - so please know I'm saying thank you to each and every one of you. I am humbled by the generous support and encouragement that this is my right next step. Thank you sooo much! More to come soon!
Hi dear friends and family!
I'm writing to ask for your financial support in attending the Strozzi Institute's course on Embodied Transformation to deepen my knowledge and practice of somatics.
Layoff and mid-life transitions
As some of you know, I'm at a big transition point in my life personally and professionally. In April, I was unexpectedly laid off from my role as Public Health Transformation Director. Although I've worked in public health for over 20 years, the huge federal and state budget cuts and the 4K+ public health layoffs mean jobs I've loved doing are becoming very scarce, under-resourced and competitive.
When a door shuts, sometimes a window opens
Since learning about somatics over 15 years ago, I have wanted to take a course, but never had or made time - the kids were too little, I had too much work to do, it cost too much, etc. Right now, our family finances are stretched thin, and I’m unemployed.
But encouraged by my dear friend Savi, and facilitator Hang from this incredibly valuable I AM course, I’m going to make a bold ask of you my family and friends - rather than shrink or not ask in anticipatory fear of rejection.
If you are able, please contribute $5, $25, $100 or any other amount to help me pay the $2300 tuition for the course that starts in 10 days.
What is Somatics?
generative somatics is the organization that first inspired me, so sharing their definition: “Somatics is a practice-able theory of change that can move us toward individual, community, and collective liberation through working to embody transformation. Somatics with a social analysis understands the need for deep personal transformation, aligned with liberatory community/ collective practices, connected to transformative systemic change. They are inextricable and support each other.”
Why learn Somatics?
- Because as climate changes, wealth, social and political inequities worsen, and we grow older, we need more ways to feel connected to ourselves and others.
- Because everyone holds historical and generational trauma in their bodies and pass it along in our actions and behaviors.
- Because mainstream culture focuses on keeping your brain stimulated and not paying attention to our emotional or physical well-being.
- Because public health workers and others working for social good often just plow through, without taking needed pauses to rest and recover.
- Because I experienced intense emotional dysregulation from earthquakes, COVID, parenting, and anti-racism work and feel re-anchored in somatic practices using breath and awareness.
- Because I believe somatic practices are helpful for myself, my daughters and our community and I would love to get more skilled in how to facilitate those practices for me and others.
And so I am making this ask to support me in whatever way you are able, if you are able. And if you aren't able, no worries at all, truly!
Either way, I hope to connect with you in person and/or virtually soon.
With much love and appreciation,
Megan
PS - If this intrigues you, please email or call me and we can connect offline and/or check out:
Organizer
Megan Gaydos
Organizer
Denver, CO