Dancing In The Dark


“The Only Reason for Time is so that Everything doesn't Happen at Once” - Einstein


Really good lessons take time to learn.

They aren’t the type where you can check your answer at the back of the book, they’re the kind that you can revisit again and again, learning something new every time.


I recently returned to the Institute for Anatomical Research for another deep dive into the human body, and once again was immersed in the magnificent chaos that forms the structures of our existence. I’ve become intimately familiar with the experience of overwhelm; not knowing exactly what to reveal or where that thing even is, and also struggling with the general discomfort of the environment. The smell of formaldehyde, the direct interaction with a subject matter that can often be discomfiting. Sharp instruments, the constant reminders that the anatomical drawings available in our apps and textbooks are only general indications of what is actually there often culminated in overwhelm. Not just for myself, but for my fellow students ( and sometimes the teachers too). This time, my moment of transcendence happened while in conversation with a “newbie” and I heard myself assure her “ You don’t have to summarize the experience while you’re still having it.


So often the most important opportunities for growth happen at a depth and magnitude that is too much to take in all at that moment. Whether it’s a family crisis, a professional setback, or the discovery of facts that go against everything you’ve assumed was true, it takes time to process the information, absorb it’s meaning, and apply what you’ve learned enough to be able to synthesize and integrate this new knowledge. And almost always, the growth happens in an organic pattern that branches out in many ways. Affecting us in layers, and allowing for multiple perspectives to emerge on the same subject as we replay that experience, learning time after time.


Remember this the next time you’re feeling confused, frustrated, or just ready to walk out the door. Maybe you’re “ done with it” but maybe you’re just at capacity for what you can process at that particular moment. If you can let go of the need for everything to be neatly labeled and packaged away at the moment of inception, then you may just have the capacity to absorb more about the beautiful, messy complexities of our world, and ultimately have more tools for understanding.


As we journey through these layered experiences, it's vital to have spaces where we can dissect, understand, and apply our learning. This is where my upcoming workshops come into play, each tailored to different aspects of our multifaceted growth journey.


Real World Rehab: For mind/body fitness instructors, this 90-minute workshop is a deep dive into the art of understanding and adapting to clients' unique physical narratives. You'll gain practical strategies for managing injuries and modifying workouts, ensuring that each client's journey to healing and strength is as individual as their story. This complimentary session is designed to empower you with the skills to respond effectively to the diverse needs you encounter in your practice.


Transitioning from the Physical to the Metaphysical,


Take My Breath Away: This 2-hour transformative experience is for anyone looking to deepen their internal journey. Here, breathwork isn't just a practice; it's a pathway to unlocking new realms within yourself. You'll learn to use breath as a tool for creating space within, activating internal engagement, and refining alignment. Perfect for the inward turn of the holiday season, this session aims to equip you with techniques for self-exploration and stress management during this reflective time of year.


As we approach these longer nights and times of reflection, I leave you with a special Soundcloud mix I've been enjoying that embodies our journey – a blend of classic and contemporary, symbolizing the eternal dance of learning and growth.


In this season of giving thanks and embracing the darkness, let's remember that every experience, every lesson, is a step in our ever-evolving dance of understanding. May your journey be rich with discovery, and may your steps be guided by the light of wisdom.


With warmth and gratitude,

Domini Anne

©Domini Anne 2023 - because, of course

Domini Anne

• I help people fully inhabit their bodies and guide teachers to do the same • Get access to exclusive videos, articles and teachings from Domini Anne

Read more from Domini Anne

There are moments—like this week—when the world feels like too much. You open the news and it hits before you can brace: airstrikes. university occupations. protest crackdowns. leaders falling. systems unraveling. And yet somehow, you’re still expected to reply to emails, make dinner, smile at strangers in the grocery store. The body knows something is wrong, even when we keep moving through our day. This past Saturday, just 90 minutes before teaching The Source Awakens, I was out walking my...

Hi Reader, Thanks to everyone who tuned in (or set an alarm!) for Thursday’s IG Live on the Gyrotonic Method and bone density. The questions were smart, the conversation was rich—and if you missed it, I’ve got you covered. 🎥 Here’s the replay: We talked about: Whether overhead work with the Wingmaster can replicate heavy lifting If jumping on the JSB with max resistance creates enough impact How much challenge is actually required to stimulate bone growth And most importantly: How do we layer...

My hands gripped the edges of the table as I took another breath and focused on relaxing the area beneath my left scapula. The needle bit into my skin, searing a path down my back as I exhaled slowly, keeping perfectly still while tension rippled through my body. Then ...Release. A magnificent flood of warmth spread across my system. The moment the needle lifted, my body melted. Relief washed through me like an internal tide, eclipsing the distress signals that had overwhelmed me just seconds...