Episode 7: Engaging with the Nervous System for Pleasure and Survival with Michaela Boehm
Michaela Boehm teaches and counsels internationally as an expert in intimacy and sexuality. Born and raised in Austria, Michaela combines her training in psychology and extensive clinical counseling experience with her in-depth training in the yogic arts as a classical Kashmiri Tantric lineage holder. Michaela’s approach empowers her students through an eclectic mix of education, experiential exercises and guided explorations. Known for her work with high-performing individuals, her ongoing private clients include Oscar-winning actors, producers, business pioneers, and multiple Grammy-winning musicians. Michaela is the Author of “The Wild Woman’s Way”, published by Simon & Schuster/Atria in August 2018. She lives on an organic farm in California where she rescues and rehabilitates animals.
In this episode we talked about :
The way Michaela used the embodiment practices she had created to move through the loss of her house, possessions, land and animals due to Californian wildfires.
Our bodies are made to cope with challenging times
Daily ways of releasing stress e.g. in the morning or end of the day
The Non-Linear Movement Method (NLMM)- generally done on hands on knees for maximum flexibility to release what’s stuck emotionally, physically and mentally.
Becoming current with emotions and sensations
The simplicity and safety of NLMM
Michaela’s experience working in an addiction facility and teaching ways of engaging with the body to her clients
Working with the body without taxing the nervous system, whilst still being effective
Use the body’s natural ability to create homeostasis through continuous movement
Working with trauma
Why trying to create cathartic experiences can trigger the trauma pattern
The lineage of Kashmiri Shaivism which includes devotional and embodiment practices
Michaela’s combination of tantric training, trauma therapy and counseling for relationships and intimacy
Will the online age lead to a lack of intimacy body to body?
Beauty, aesthetics, colour and order in the environment to affect the nervous system
Our nervous system is the part that made us survive, and is therefore far more attuned than we realize
Travel altars to anchor beauty and embodiment and things that Michaela holds dear
The archetype of the Wild Woman, who knows to navigate in the world through all the rhythms of life and nature
Pleasure as part of the sensory system and part of what makes human
Connecting with pleasure through touch, essential oils, tasting delicious foods
Sexual receptivity and aliveness
Tuning in to background pleasure to keep the nervous system engaged
Resources
You can find out more about Michaela’s workshops and courses here: www.michaelaboehm.com
Michaela’s first book, ‘The Wild Woman's Way: Unlock Your Full Potential for Pleasure, Power, and Fulfillment’
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