Wellness Day at InTouch + Motion

It was happenstance that my Mom and I found InTouch + Motion. A friend of a friend… and Mom’s excellent sleuthing skills :)

InTouch & Motion is a creative arts therapy and wellness practice in Chicago dedicated to helping people connect with themselves and others through movement, creativity, and mindful expression.

The sessions can range from traditional psychotherapy, expressive arts therapy, drama therapy, and art therapy to dance movement therapy, somatic EMDR and yoga therapy.

We were surprised and delighted that their mission is similar to our Ahimsa Warrior workshops, where were use art to process trauma and emotions.

I recently attended one of their Wellness Days - A Day to Breathe, Restore, and Reconnect.

This was a free community day of wellness, creativity, and connection at InTouch & Motion. Throughout the day, we had a chance to explore mini sessions and group experiences led by trusted wellness professionals - each designed to help us recharge, reflect, and reconnect with our minds, bodies, and spirits.

The first class I took was with Heather Fraelick – The Healing Eclectic / Myofascial Release & Holistic Therapies. This was guided breathwork and somatic practices to regulate your nervous system and reconnect with your body.

We did movements to help release our fascia (the network of tissue that connects our whole body), and breathing exercises you can use to bring calm to stressful situations. We tuned into our bodies to see where we were still holding tension, emotions or physical blockages.

During lunch we spoke with Erica Reid Gerdes - Waxwing Journeys, and Amanda Mitchell - InTouch & Motion at Bereavement & Burritos: a gentle lunchtime conversation exploring loss, connection, and nourishment. We talked about ways that we grieve, how to support others going through loss, and why we need to discuss things like death, a topic that’s a little taboo, but that affects all of us throughout life.

The next class was with Kelin Hall, LCSW (Kelin Hall, LCSW, PLLC) where we could experience Internal Family Systems-inspired movement to explore self-awareness and embodied healing.

I learned a little bit about Family Systems with the ming + ming Reparenting Workshop - how we all have an inner child, an inner critic and other members of our inner family that we can connect with.

The exercise was movement to words with different meanings, and it was interesting how our bodies interpret these topics and then how we outwardly express them.

I couldn’t stay for the whole class, because I had scheduled a 20-minute Thai bodywork mini session for deep restoration and balance with Amber Gillogly – Y Healing Arts.

Thai massage is different from what you would think of as a typical massage. Amber describes it as a healing modality with its roots in Yoga, dating back over 2500 years ago to India.

The blending of yoga principles makes this bodywork unique to all others. Naturally, during a session, focus switches away from mental stress and anxiety. When this occurs, simple body awareness is allowed to transpire.

It Improves physical and mental well-being, reduces stress, improves blood flow, increases resistance to illness and many other health benefits.

After a wonderful massage, it was time for an immersive closing session combining creativity, yoga, Reiki healing, and sound for integration and calm with Ciera Shimkus - InTouch & Motion, and Amber Gillogly -Y Healing Arts.

We did a little mandala artwork to set our intention and then some yoga movement.

I had to step out for a moment for a fantastic Tarot reading with Callista Lay - Revive Chiropractic Healing Center who offered Tarot readings and short energy-based services for clarity and reflection. I got so much information and insight from this mini Tarot session. Beautiful Tarot cards and wisdom to help me carve my path.

When I returned to my mat, Ciera Shimkus from InTouch & Motion was starting the Sound Bath. She works with interactive art and instruments for creative play and mindful expression.

Amber Gillogly from Y Healing Arts did Reiki (energy work) for us individually as we lay in savasana, enjoying the sounds of drumming and instruments washing over us, encouraging us to let go and be in the moment.

What a beautiful day to bring us back to ourselves and into a community of healers, students and those on a healing path. Ciera also offers a monthly yoga class with a sound bath, to keep you grounded and in alignment.

This is such a Holistic approach to therapy and wellness, and we can benefit tremendously from integrating movement, sound and art into our healing. See you at the next Wellness Day!

~ Laurie

Guardians of the Spirit World: Xoloitzcuintli and Day of the Dead

Written by Stevie McCulloch for Waggel

“Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a Mexican festival celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November every year and is dedicated to honouring deceased loved ones. Combining pre-Hispanic traditions and Catholic influences, the festival embraces both life and death, acknowledging that death is merely a part of the natural cycle of existence.

During the Day of the Dead celebrations, families create ofrendas (altars) adorned with marigolds, candles, food and personal items to welcome the spirits of the departed back to the realm of the living for a night of remembrance and celebration.

Animals, particularly dogs, play a significant role in this tradition. In many indigenous cultures, dogs are seen as guides for souls on their journey to the afterlife. Among these, the Xoloitzcuintli (Xolo, pronounced ‘Show low’) dog, an ancient breed with deep cultural roots in Mexico, is particularly revered. In Aztec mythology, Xolos were believed to protect and guide souls through the underworld, linking them intimately with both life and death.

Xolos are one of the oldest dog breeds, with a vast and rich history spanning over 3,500 years. Known for their distinct, hairless appearance, Xolos were not only just companion dogs to the ancient Aztecs but also held with great respect and deep spiritual significance.

The Xolo was believed to be a sacred animal gifted to humans by the gods for guidance and protection. In Aztec society, Xolos were considered to have healing powers and were involved in many rituals. However, their spiritual importance reigned supreme as they were thought to accompany the souls of the deceased on their journey to the afterlife.

According to Aztec mythology, when someone died, their soul embarked on a journey to Mictlán, the underworld. This journey was not an easy one, and the soul was required to cross nine rivers before reaching eternal rest. Because of their divine connection to the gods, Xolos helped these souls cross the rivers and protected them from harm on the way. It was thought that only those kind to dogs in life would receive assistance from a Xolo in death.

In modern Día de los Muertos celebrations, the Xoloitzcuintli continues to symbolise the connection between life, death and the afterlife. Though the breed’s original spiritual role has evolved, their presence in the festival remains strong.

Xolos are often represented in altars (ofrendas) dedicated to the deceased, either in the form of figurines or images. In some regions, families still believe that the Xolo’s spirit accompanies their loved ones back to the world of the living during the festival, acting as a bridge between realms. This enduring symbolism reflects the Xolo’s sacred status in Mexican culture.

Xolos are especially honoured in rural or traditional communities where ancient customs are closely preserved. In states like Michoacán and Oaxaca, where Día de los Muertos is celebrated with immense reverence, the Xolo's imagery can be found in artwork, sculptures and ceremonial offerings. These communities recognise the Xolo as a spiritual protector, much like their ancestors did, and continue to include the dog in their observance of the Day of the Dead. The breed remains an enduring symbol of life, death and the journey between them, celebrated each year in this sacred tradition.