Wow, Summer has come and gone...

Wow, Summer is ending this weekend. Feels like it went by so fast, and almost didn’t feel like Summer. There was so much rain and then pleasant, cool weather, and now we’re sliding into Autumn without much contrast. Today we are getting a gentle soaking rain which is much needed. And soon the leaves will put on their show and drift toward the earth to become fertilizer for the Winter.

I don’t know about you, but I (and many folks I know) have been feeling this change of season in my body. Seems like wherever there’s a little arthritis it feels like more right about now. I am always taken aback how something as subtle as the change of season, with the shifting slant of the sun, the absence of birdsong - save for more crows and woodpeckers, and cooler, drier air has such a not-so-subtle effect in my body. But I think a little more about getting the most of the season’s harvest of produce into my diet, remind myself to keep drinking water and start going to bed a little earlier now that the days are getting shorter.

Anyway, it was a great Summer. I really enjoyed meeting some wonderful folks up in Highlands, NC where I have been filling half of my schedule, and I have seen quite a few new faces down here in Lakemont as my local practice continues to grow. I made it out into the woods and to the river just enough - still letting my bare feet touch the trails and soaking in all the sensations (yes, even the unpleasant sensation of stubbing the heck out of a root stump). One day I came remarkably (yes, dangerously, too) close to this copperhead, and maybe because I wasn't wearing clunky shoes, s/he refrained from biting me. It really has done wonders for my knees and I must say it has a deeply grounding effect on my spirit, too.

photo of copperhead ©Kevin Croom


I am just finishing my second year of practice (seems like more than that) and I continue to be humbled and inspired by this wonderful work and by all of you. I have learned so much from you all and from my continuing studies with Deane Juhan (you can check him out at www.jobsbody.com) into his Restance/Release work and the world of Trager. I am looking forward to the next workshop with Deane coming up in early December, and I have made such progress using his techniques with some of you that I intend to study with him as much as I can into the future. It is such a gift to be able to study with a master. I am so grateful to my teacher, Frank Merillat, for bringing him out from California to Florida School of Massage each year.

Whether or not I have seen you lately, I would love to hear from you - you can email me at honorcatalyst@gmail.com or call me anytime at 904.315.2917 or 706.212.7924. I would love to hear from you how the work has affected your body, your life, your awareness. Your feedback helps me to improve my practice, and I rely on you to communicate to me anything that comes from this work together that can help us work together toward your balance of body, mind and spirit and that will ensure that we are inviting ease, grace and transformation where it is appropriate for you.

As we enter into the cooler, quieter time of year, I hope your dreams inspire you and your waking pursuits fulfill you, as you move easily and gracefully toward the holidays.

Honor Woodard, BFA, LMT
GA MT 008365
NC LMBT 13263