In this special episode of The Right Intention, its a celebration of the 88th birthday of Wowza, who is a transformative figure in expressive arts therapy and holistic wellness, who has spent over six decades helping people embrace self-expression and healing.

Wowza embodies a spirit of agelessness and vitality, which she attributes to connecting with her "larger self" or "the beloved," an inner source of strength that transcends time and societal expectations.

Reflecting on her journey, Wowza shares how she transformed a challenging childhood marked by bullying and isolation into a life of beauty and resilience. Embracing her unique path led her to win Miss Florida and become a runner-up in the Miss America pageant. By the time she reached the Miss America stage, she began to feel the limitations of external validation. When she blanked during a final question, she knew her calling was beyond pageants and moved to New York to pursue acting.

In New York, Wowza trained at the Actors Studio under Lee Strasberg, who taught her to embrace every role authentically, integrating light and shadow. This foundation inspired her to create expressive arts therapy, a method allowing people to explore their “social roles” as characters, releasing limiting beliefs and accessing their true essence.

Today, Wowza remains a beacon of unity, founding the "Church of Wow" to encourage people to see each other as living art. Her mantra, "wow," reflects wonder without judgment. In relationships, she advocates for balancing masculine and feminine energies, empowering individuals to embody their authentic selves for deeper, harmonious connections.

One of her signature practices, “curtain up, curtain down,” helps people briefly embody and release emotions, fostering mindful self-awareness. In her book, The Sacred Actor: Igniting the Performance Art of Living, she invites readers to view life as a divine play, where each role brings meaning within a larger, universal flow. Her "great hum" practice—a simple daily humming—connects people to the vibration of life, grounding them in unity and love.

As Todd and Wowza close, they reflect on love as a universal, transformative force. Wowza encourages listeners to embrace every part of themselves, live authentically, and connect with others from the heart. Her journey and wisdom remind us that by living from this larger self, we find freedom and harmony.

Connect with Todd Tononi:

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Connect with Wowza:

https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Actor-Igniting-Performance-Living/dp/B0D2P73WJ8

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