SLC Reflection: Stuck: An Embodied Transformation
Simplicity Living Circle | July 5, 2025 | Lacey Woods Park
The July sun came in hot—blistering and bold—but we were cradled in coolness beneath the leafy canopy of Lacey Woods Park, where nature offered us shelter, sanctuary, and sacred space. It was our largest gathering yet, with 42 radiant souls coming together to connect, explore, and move through the stories our bodies hold.
After a brief welcome, we turned our circle toward the transformational guidance of Lindsay Little, founder of Soma Lingua, whose work integrates movement, breath, and systems awareness to invite personal and collective evolution. Lindsay led us through a profound experiential journey from Social Presencing Theater—a body-based awareness practice developed by Arawana Hayashi in collaboration with the Presencing Institute.
“Stuck: An Embodied Exploration”
Lindsay Little leads SLC participants through the Stuck Practice. Photo by Nikki.
The practice, called Stuck, unfolds in two layers of embodied awareness. To warm up, we started with an awareness practice that gently opened our perception: each participant chose a natural object—perhaps a tree trunk, a leaf, or a patch of sunlight—and focused on it fully. Then, slowly and intentionally, we softened our gaze, inviting in our peripheral vision, expanding the edges of attention. As we oscillated between focused sight and expansive seeing, we noticed subtle shifts in our physical sensations—shoulders relaxing, breath deepening, feet rooting into earth.
This simple act of shifting awareness set the stage for our focused practice: shaping the stuck. In groups of three or four, we used our bodies to form a physical representation of a situation in our lives where we feel stuck. There were twisted postures, collapsed shoulders, arms crossed protectively or extended in tension—all silent stories that spoke volumes. Observers described what they saw, not with judgment, but with curiosity and compassion, offering reflections on energy, emotion, and perception.
Then came the transformation: the emergent shape. Using the body's innate wisdom, we moved into a new shape—one that embodied the sense of moving through the stuckness. This wasn’t forced or imagined, but felt from within. Participants expressed openness, spaciousness, strength, and fluidity. Observers again shared what they noticed, and often, a quiet hush followed—when words weren’t enough, but meaning was deeply understood.
These embodied practices invite not only insight, but integration. The process teaches us that our bodies know long before the mind can explain. They sense possibilities. They reveal blind spots. And they hold the map to movement—even through the murkiest terrain.
After each part of the practice, members shared their experiences with the full group. There were tears, laughter, revelations, and rootedness. This wasn’t just an exercise—it was soul work, done together in the tender shade of the woods.
🔥 Fire Ritual & Closing Meditation
Following Lindsay’s session, we transitioned into our signature Fire Ritual. One by one, members introduced themselves, spoke to what simplicity means to them, and shared what they wished to release and invite in. Each person offered their handwritten words to the flames, letting smoke carry intentions skyward.
To seal the experience, Nikki guided us through a closing meditation—a return to the body, the breath, and the stillness within. Her voice was grounding, her presence a balm. It was the perfect exhale after a day of deep embodiment.
As twilight approached, conversations lingered and laughter danced between trees. The circle may have closed, but the ripples continue—through the shapes we hold, the movements we make, and the lives we are reshaping.
🌸 About Our Guest Facilitator
Lindsay Little, coach, facilitator, and founder of Soma Lingua.
Lindsay Little is a coach, facilitator, and founder of Soma Lingua, where she integrates movement, breath, and systems awareness to support personal and collective transformation. Her work draws on the intelligence of the body to surface insight and activate change.
🌐 Learn more about the Stuck practice.
🌐 Experience more Spatial Awareness Practice through Lindsay’s Meetup : https://www.meetup.com/spatial-awareness-practice-group/
🌐 Learn more: somalingua.com
🌕 About the Simplicity Living Study Circle
The SLC Fire Ritual invites participants to share their intentions around what they would like to let go of and what they would like to invite in during the next month.
The Simplicity Living Study Circle is a monthly gathering devoted to intentional living, nature-connected wisdom, and soulful community. We meet under the trees, in the spirit of the sacred wheel of the year, to slow down, listen deeply, and explore what it means to live simply—and fully.
This is a leader-full circle, rooted in the belief that everyone has medicine to offer. There is no hierarchy, no need for credentials—just life experience, heart, and authenticity. Whether it’s a grounding morning ritual, a way of setting intentions, a seasonal craft, or a personal reflection on what brings clarity and ease—your story is welcome here.
Drawing inspiration from pagan traditions and Indigenous ways of knowing, we honor the ancient practice of the study circle—a communal space where wisdom is shared not from the top down, but heart to heart, hand to hand, story to story. Just as the talking stick passed from one person to the next in tribal councils, our circle invites each voice to be heard and held in sacred respect. In doing so, we weave a tapestry of shared insight, grounded not in “expertise,” but in lived truth.
Each month, a different member offers a 15–45 minute practice, teaching, or reflection. Some are movement-based, some are meditative, some are playful or poetic. All are meaningful. In August, Dani and Nikki will co-lead our circle together. For September, we are seeking a new leader to step forward and share their gifts. In October, we’ll gather in gratitude with a community potluck to honor the Autumn Equinox (Mabon)—more details to come.
If you feel a whisper to share something—no matter how small—know that this is a space that says yes to you.
🌱 A Warm Welcome to New Members
To those joining us for the first time—welcome. You belong here.
Whether you're just beginning your journey toward simplicity or you've walked this path for years, your presence adds richness to our circle. Come as you are, bring what you have, and know that your way of being—your rhythm, your roots, your reflections—is a gift.
We gather not to perform or perfect, but to practice. To remember. To reconnect. The forest is our sanctuary, the fire our teacher, and community our co-creator.
We’re so glad you found us. 🌿
✨ About Dani and Nikki
Dani & Nikki
Dani is a certified Health & Life Coach and founder of Coaching with Dani, where she helps clients simplify their lives, connect with their purpose, and embrace spiritual practices rooted in nature and authenticity.
🌐 coachingwithdanijk.com
Nikki is a licensed Massage Therapist, Hypnotherapist and Reiki Master, and the founder of Rainwalker Healing, where she offers intuitive bodywork, energy healing, and sacred practices that support deep restoration and alignment.
Together, Dani and Nikki co-host the Simplicity Living Study Circle, a monthly community gathering that celebrates intentional living, seasonal wisdom, and soulful connection.