EP23 | Prentis Hemphill - The Story Being Told Through our Collective Body with Prentis Hemphill

Thomas is joined by writer, embodiment facilitator, political organizer, therapist, and the founder and director of The Embodiment Institute, Prentis Hemphill. They discuss the evolution of embodiment and somatics, and how our bodies are the sites at which transformation occurs in trauma work.  Prentis discusses their work in social and political movements to address individual and collective trauma, and to tap into the resilience and creativity needed to envision solutions to the catastrophes and crises that we face.  They explore the need to acknowledge our interconnectedness in healing spaces, and the potential of somatics and embodiment to help us understand ourselves, integrate the traumatic events we’ve experienced, and re-awaken parts of ourselves that may have gone dormant. Key Points: 00:00 Introduction 01:41 What shaped Prentis' career 07:14 Internalizing vs Awake 12:11 Staying connected to the source 13:47 How generational pain surfaces in present relationships 19:55 Our bodies remember traumatic stories 26:25 Disrupting the wellness industry 29:50 The distortion of trauma 32:16 Being open to change and healing 39:00 The need for collective rituals 45:05 Fostering intimacy for deeper healing 49:58 Prentis’ hope for the world Prentis Hemphill (They/Them) is unearthing the connections between healing, community accountability, and our most inspired visions for social transformation. They are a therapist, somatics teacher and facilitator, political organizer, writer, and the founder of The Embodiment Institute. For over 10 years, they have been working with individuals and organizations during their most challenging moments of change; navigating leadership transitions, conflict, and realigning practice with values. They hold an M.A. in Clinical Psychology and have worked in low-cost mental health clinics offering therapeutic services to marginalized people. In 2016, they were awarded the Buddhist Peace Fellowship Soma Award for community work inspired by Buddhist thought. Their work has been featured in the New York Times, Huffington Post, and Shondaland. They are a contributor to The Politics of Trauma by Staci K. Haines, as well as You are Your Best Thing edited by Brené Brown and Tarana Burke, and Holding Change by Adrienne Maree Brown. Links: Website: https://prentishemphill.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prentishemphill/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prentishemphill/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076227080719 Listen and know more about Prentis Hemphill’s podcast, Finding Our Way.