The Animal Way Back to You

Hello,

I am writing this in the car on our way home from a family visit with our firstborn at MIZZOU. I am on my way home, but I am also on my way home in a metaphorical way. Allow me to share one of many transformative experiences I had this weekend.

We were at a gameday frat house tailgate with a live band when a boy bet my husband $10 to play the drums. Hubs smiled and said, "No, I am not going to do that, but I know who will."

When the boy asked me, I said, "Of course I won't do that for $10; I need $20 and permission from the drummer to use his sticks."

Immediately another boy said, "I've got $10 for this."

Once I got permission, the crowd gathered round, and I sat on the seat and took a breath. 

I heard Eminem in my head saying, "You better lose yourself in the music, the moment; you own it. You better never let it go. You only get one shot; do not miss your chance to blow. The opportunity comes once in a lifetime, yo!"

Then before I could psyche myself out of it, I just went for it. I put my foot on the pedal. Thump. Again. Thump, thump. Thump, thump, thump, bass, snare, cymbals, hi-hat, again, again, again, again. LOUDER!

The easy crowd was screaming with joy and praise. 

I lived out this dream and played like Animal from the Muppets in front of 30 adoring fans, including my husband and daughters. Then, just to top it off, I did one more round of a long drum solo where I banged a little harder and stuck out my tongue, really playing it up, and proved once again to myself that all my wildest dreams can come true and alcohol has nothing to do with anything. It was never the best part of me. It was never the party. I was. It was always me. I am wild, fun, brave, and hilarious. The crowd went wild with appreciation, and so did I. The $20 went in the tip jar. 😉

Immediately after banging my heart out, I felt the after-adrenaline rush shaking that can happen when you do something you've always wanted to do or something that scares you. The last time I remember feeling this way so intensely was 10 years ago after a ziplining experience in Costa Rica. 

Hours later, when I settled back into my hotel room after the game, I turned on my Tara Brach podcast to wind down before bed. I swear it is no coincidence that she talked about ways to release trauma from the body, including humming, chanting, and drumming.

Drumming. It all made sense to me why I've been so called to drum. Suddenly I knew why I signed up for that lesson the other week and politely listened to the instructor only to leave feeling like it was a good start but not quite there. Unsure what to do next to get my fix, a friend kindly suggested the bongos. No thanks. We laughed. She got it. I just want to bang on my drum set all day. Rockstar-like. With an audience. Animal. Witnesses. 

I got it. My moment. I owned it. What was left after this release was a sense of wonder, freedom, and purpose. The adrenaline rush helped me release long-held tension and trauma that was stored deep in my body. What was left was regulated emotions, peace of mind, and an inner knowing that I let something go. There was something buried deep within me that I was able to drum up and bang out. 

Like an animal, I used my natural ability to find my way home. A behavior known as homing. My goal is now to become an ever better guide for leading you home to yourself too. There is so much hope for healing from anything you've been through. The timing is perfect as I prep for our upcoming one-day 🔗 Fall Into You Retreat.

Attendees will be guided back to their path home. Limited spots are available, and tickets close on 9/24. We will be healing, releasing, and restoring together through nature, connection, nourishment, meditation, sound healing, and more. 

I am witnessing the kind of deep healing that can happen when you ditch the drink every week in our Insider calls. Last week moved me to tears with stories that were like mini inspirational TED Talks from our members and their healing and growth. After a rough week of dental work for me, it felt like coming home to get on our call. What a gift you all are. Thank you for traveling with me.

XO!

-Heather

An INSIDER Membership 🔗 This Week Gets You:

💕 Love Language workshop Monday 9/22

✨ Coach-led check-in call Thursday 9/25

✓ First access and discounted pricing on all programs

👉🏼 Scroll-Less September Monthly Challenge with prizes

➡️ Flexible 1x1 coaching and à la carte sessions

📲 24/7 app

💻 30+ masterclasses with expert instructors

📕 Monthly Book Club—October is Why Bother: Discover the Desire for What's Next by Jennifer Louden