Neuroplasticity describes the ability of our brains and nervous systems to shift the signals we send to our body. Our brain controls all of our functions, consciously and unconsciously. But we have the power to shift even the unconscious signals through changing our narratives and our thoughts. Let me show you how:

Simple example of shifting stress signals:

We all experience stress. When we have a thought about something we are afraid of, our brains will likely send stress signals. Perhaps signals get sent to our nerves to fire our muscles, making them tense; perhaps our heart rate increases; or signals to release more cortisol are transmitted; we may get sweaty palms or armpits. Simply by pausing and shifting our focus to our breath and the present moment, we may notice that our heart rate slows; our muscles may relax; we stop sweating; and even our cortisol may return to normal levels. By shifting our 'thoughts,' we have the power to support our nervous system and affect our autonomic nervous system functions as well. As we practice, we can feel more calm, more of the time, and our systems can run smoother, allowing our internal environment to create space for healing and responding. Our brains respond when we support our nervous systems by connecting with our breath, ourselves, and the messages - or affirmations - we send to ourselves. And this shifts the signals our brains send out.

Example for Chronic Pain:

If your foot was injured badly five years ago, and it has hurt ever since, it is normal to have a narrative that "My foot always hurts." This narrative may go through your mind consciously and unconsciously many times a day. Having this thought can send pain signals to your foot. It is possible that your foot would hurt with or without the narrative, but it is also possible that the narrative is what keeps the signals going. Although it's unlikely that 100% of the pain signals are coming from the narrative, it is likely that some part of them are. By shifting your narrative through meditation, you may find that the pain is less frequent or less severe. Try, "My foot is still healing from an injury I got a while ago. Or, "I am exploring new and promising ways to help my foot heal. And I still believe that healing is possible."

What we do in the meditations:

Be mindful that Neuroplasticity goes both ways. Our thoughts can lead us down paths that are detrimental as well as paths that improve our quality of life. In Neuroplasticity Meditations, I work with you to explore narratives or negative self talk that limit your quality of life. We counter the narratives that do not serve so you can create affirmations that help you heal. We work directly with the nervous system, honouring its process and also re-wiring the old paths that send unnecessary pain and stress signals. And we work with ourselves and our own brains to create a safe space to strengthen the pathways that bring healing and help us overcome the obstacles in our lives. We can thus shift our nervous system's responses to triggers and create space for healing. I help you create that space and identify the counter-narratives and affirmations that support your nervous system in breaking free of old patterns and strengthening neuro-pathways that help you heal and help you thrive.

Should I get meditation sessions separately or with Massage Therapy?

You may enjoy a meditation on its own, or I can provide these meditations during a Massage Therapy session. Some people like to combine because it helps them relax and get more out of the massage, while others like to just focus on mediation and have more time for the pre-meditation check in and post-meditation processing. Many clients get a meditation package to make a life transition with varying amounts of massage and meditation time:

• Returning to work after recovering from a TBI or other injury
• Quitting alcohol
• Establishing closer relationships with friends and family
• Shifting from work to retirement
• Recovering from a breakup or divorce
• Shifting to live more in a alignment with oneself
• Breaking free from anxiety or depression