Speak From the Body

Touch is our earliest sense and a lifelong source of connection, regulation and communication. This episode reflects on why it matters now more than ever.In this episode, I talked about:* Even though touch is a sense that we all have, it’s not a dominant sense for most people* Bodyworkers train in the art of palpation and their sense of touch gets more refined with time.Touch is one of our first senses. It develops in utero and it’s vital for how we engage with the environment around us* Caregiving for newborns through full body contact such as babywearing, breastfeeding, contact naps and cosleeping foster a deep sense of safety and connection* We can keep positive touch with our loved ones through holding hands, hugs and keeping close physically with one another* People of all ages thrive with touch, and sadly too many people are starved of touch, especially if they live alone or are isolated* Touch is a tool for communication. It conveys so much about what we feel. Touch requires receptivity rather than just being active* Touch therapyowers blood pressure and heart rate, and improves immune function* Zero Balancing is a type of bodywork that addresses the structure and the energy in the body* Protecting the sense of touch in an increasingly visual and virtual worldResources:The Calming Hormone of Health, with Kerstin Uvnäs MobergThe Beauty of TouchKeep in Touch with Avni:Sign up for my free course ‘5 Days to Wellness with Ease’ Get full access to Heart to Art by Avni Trivedi at hearttoart.substack.com/subscribe

Returning after a long pause, with a change in direction and focus. Musings about the circle of life, the toll of caring and looking for a sustainable way of life.Here are some previous episodes of ‘Speak From the Body’ that cover grief and loss that I hope you find helpful.Moving Through LossHealing From Grief With Kristie WestMiscarriage and Pregnancy Loss with Julia BuenoAs I mentioned in this episode, I’m trying to find a way to live and work that is more simple and sustainable. It’s also a time of seasonal change and I’m upping the self-care because I suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).Resources:Other Episodes to Explore:Reimagining Community for Better HealthHow to Cope From Winter if You Suffer From SADHow to Make Space for Wellness, Even When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed and ExhaustedKeep in Touch with Avni:Sign up for my free course ‘5 Days to Wellness with Ease’ Get full access to Heart to Art by Avni Trivedi at hearttoart.substack.com/subscribe

Breast screening is used for early detection and cancer prevention. Some screening methods can be invasive and there are alternative approaches to consider that are increasingly reliable. Breast health is important to consider.You can find out more about Dr Nyjon Eccles at The Natural Doctorhttps://thenaturaldoctor.org/breast-health/were-having-the-wrong-conversation-about-breast-cancer-prevention/Iodine Deficiency articleArticle: An Urgent Need to Re-address the Role of Mammography in Breast Screening: Earlier and Safer Detection is Needed Get full access to Heart to Art by Avni Trivedi at hearttoart.substack.com/subscribe

We have all developed from an embryological state, and that embryo is within us and relates to our full potential. Cherionna Menzam-Sills in a somatic prenatal and birth therapist and she shares her compassionate approach. Get full access to Heart to Art by Avni Trivedi at hearttoart.substack.com/subscribe

In this conversation with Tracee Stanley, author of ‘The Luminous Self’, we discuss the importance of rest and nature as teachers and everyday practices that help us to live more intentional and sacred lives. For the episode show notes, https://www.avni-touch.com/podcast/luminousself  Find out more about Tracee at traceestanley.com. Get full access to Heart to Art by Avni Trivedi at hearttoart.substack.com/subscribe

All good things must come to an end. I’ll be back with more episodes of ‘Speak From the Body’ after a break. For now, I’m leaving you with thoughts about slowing down and processing the events of recent months.   For the full show notes: https://www.avni-touch.com/podcast/break Get full access to Heart to Art by Avni Trivedi at hearttoart.substack.com/subscribe

Taking personal responsibility for our health behaviours facilitates long-term health. And personal responsibility ripples out into the sense of collective/ society health. Do you find it hard to ask for support? How does this affect you in your work/life balance? What are some simple ways you can extend your circle of support? For the full show notes: https://www.avni-touch.com/podcast/support Get full access to Heart to Art by Avni Trivedi at hearttoart.substack.com/subscribe

A solo episode about the importance of acknowledging and marking endings, how waiting can bring you into a state of presence, and the benefit of all things in moderation For the full show notes: https://www.avni-touch.com/podcast/mishmash Get full access to Heart to Art by Avni Trivedi at hearttoart.substack.com/subscribe

Tracee Stanley, shares teachings that are inspired by more than 20 years of study in the traditions of the Himalayan Masters and Sri Vidya Tantra. The focus of her teaching honours life as a ritual and she is devoted to yoga nidra, meditation, self-inquiry, nature as a teacher, and ancestor reverence.   For the full show notes: https://www.avni-touch.com/podcast/tracee-stanley Get full access to Heart to Art by Avni Trivedi at hearttoart.substack.com/subscribe

Improving and maintaining the health of the teeth, gums, tongue and mouth positively impacts the full spectrum of health. Daily dental hygiene can be considered to be a mindfulness practice, and can be aided by Ayurvedic practices and homeopathy. For the full show notes: https://www.avni-touch.com/podcast/laura-schikkerling Get full access to Heart to Art by Avni Trivedi at hearttoart.substack.com/subscribe

Anna Lovind helps feminist creatives and change-makers go from dreaming to doing- without the striving and overwhelm. This conversation is about holding a vision for what you want, and breaking down the tiny steps to get there. It’s a sustainable view of creativity and living an intentional life. For the full show notes: https://www.avni-touch.com/podcast/anna-lovind Get full access to Heart to Art by Avni Trivedi at hearttoart.substack.com/subscribe

The Four Baskets relates to the ultimate origin story: what was the story of your beginning and how has it affected your life? The Four Baskets looks through the lens of: conception, gestation, birth and the 6 hours after birth from a spiritual and awareness-orientated perspective. It’s an approach for experiencing heart-opening and self-compassion   For the full show notes: https://www.avni-touch.com/podcast/catherine-lightfoot Get full access to Heart to Art by Avni Trivedi at hearttoart.substack.com/subscribe

Julie Wright is an entrepreneur, sleep ambassador, and author of “The Natural Sleeper: A Bedside Guide to Complementary and Alternative Solutions for Better Sleep” . Julie is also the Chief Sleep Orchestrator and founder of WeSleep, a wellbeing provider focused on sleep, sleep deprivation and insomnia to a wide range of organizations and business clients. In addition, Julie is an ambassador for World Sleep Day. “Having battled with sleep issues for years, Julie embarked on a journey full of learning, discovery and therapeutic experiments to resolve them. She then started to re-energise sleep-deprived individuals by teaching them how to sleep better naturally for optimal physical and mental health. For the full show notes: https://www.avni-touch.com/podcast/julie-wright Get full access to Heart to Art by Avni Trivedi at hearttoart.substack.com/subscribe

An episode about the power of words and the process of flow writing to rediscover yourself, and how this approach has been used in hospital and care homes with people with dementia, mental ill health and carers and staff. Talking about creative expression and the sense of wholeness rather than just being defined by a label   For the full show notes: https://www.avni-touch.com/podcast/susanna-howard Get full access to Heart to Art by Avni Trivedi at hearttoart.substack.com/subscribe

Yoga is for everybody, but the dominant image is of a young, skinny, flexible girl. Donna Noble talks about creating a space of safety and inclusivity so that people can connect with their bodies and minds. The more restful and slow postures and practices are just as valid as the acrobatic, complex movements that are most commonly shared and seen.   For the full show notes: https://www.avni-touch.com/podcast/donna-noble   Get full access to Heart to Art by Avni Trivedi at hearttoart.substack.com/subscribe

A conversation with Skylar Liberty Rose about taking up space as older women and being visible. Learning to turn inwards to choose what we need and feel, rather than relying on the outer illusion of social media and other images that are presented to us. Perimenopause, body changes and how ageing doesn’t have to be associated with loss and shame. For the full show notes: https://www.avni-touch.com/podcast/skylar-rose Get full access to Heart to Art by Avni Trivedi at hearttoart.substack.com/subscribe

Did you know that many children are spending less time outdoors than prison inmates? Movement, play and fun are for everyone. Sedentary lifestyles are linked with obesity and chronic diseases and yet the solutions can be simple and fun.   For the full show notes: https://www.avni-touch.com/podcast/darryl-edwards Get full access to Heart to Art by Avni Trivedi at hearttoart.substack.com/subscribe

Molly O’Brien describes the 3 disruptors of physiological birth. She aims to bring biomechanics (the study of human movement) back into birth. Improving the baby’s position and balancing the pelvis can help to lessen difficult births. Freedom of movement and autonomy.  For the full show notes: https://www.avni-touch.com/podcast/molly-obrien Get full access to Heart to Art by Avni Trivedi at hearttoart.substack.com/subscribe

What if we took the focus away from self-care and self-development and instead created an approach to health that addresses groups and communities? People power can be vital for dealing with issues such as addiction, and mental health as well as learning and maintaining new habits such as meditation and running. For the full show notes: https://www.avni-touch.com/podcast/community Get full access to Heart to Art by Avni Trivedi at hearttoart.substack.com/subscribe

Françoise Freedman, social anthropologist and founder of Birthlight, shares her approach of simple practices that support women to feel more confident and at ease in pregnancy. Her work weaves together yoga foundations, and knowledge gained whilst living in community in the Upper Amazon For the full show notes: https://www.avni-touch.com/podcast/francoise-freedman Get full access to Heart to Art by Avni Trivedi at hearttoart.substack.com/subscribe