From Flight To Freeze: Returning from India
Friends,
To return to the place is, simply, a challenge. I am shaken to the core. A full year has passed since I published my memoir (my memories, my visions). In that year, so much within me has changed. I am each day further from being the character in that book. The detailed inscriptions of this change are for the next book.
Today, all I can say, to keep this message brief, is that the alchemy of self-inquiry yields gifts beyond all my imagining. In this newsletter I speak often of spirituality's place in my life using vague, poetic phrases. Tangibly, spirituality is for me a daily practice of questioning: How can I align myself to my life's purpose? How can I help others? Today, how goes my internal life?
The actions are simple enough. They are nothing new. Good food, good friends, good sleep, and work that is of social benefit. The Bhagavad Gita ("God Song", translated literally) makes clear that the central piece to the puzzle of human life is to know oneself. That is why the spirituality and religion of India appeal to me so strongly. Self-inquiry has been the key to my remission. It is the foundation on which I've managed all my lifestyle changes over the years.
One step at a time, change takes on its monumental proportions. 5 years into my exploration of somatic re-education with the goal of releasing trauma from my body, I no longer contend with any of debilitating aftereffects of my childhood. The baseline has shifted. I adapt to my environment. Symptoms come and go. The constant is change.
Laure Marin de la Vallée
I'm co-hosting this yoga and somatics retreat weekend designed to re-energize your body, mind, and spirit. Dégel (“unfreeze”) offers tools to awaken your vitality as well as nurturing deep relaxation. Inspired by the thawing of ice into flow, this full-moon retreat invites you to emerge from winter’s stillness into the energy of early spring, embracing movement, connection, and renewal.
All my studies point in the same direction. The work is to learn how to ride the waves of phase shifts in oneself. Since coming back to Tiohtià:ke, I'm back to seeing people in session 1-on-1. The focus varies based on need. Primarily, we work at the intersections of craniosacral therapy, somatic education, and Focusing. My aim is to assist people in self-inquiry, learning to live into their potential for themselves.
Because each of us is different, we all get different answer and need to carry out different actions. There is no universal cure. The only way to heal, to live well with illness, is to know thyself.
Dégel: A Retreat For Nervous System Regulation
I’m thrilled to announce that my partner Shanthi and I are hosting another retreat focused on somatic regulation (March 14-16, 2025)! Our last retreat was such a beautiful and enriching experience, and we were deeply moved by the positive impact it had on participants. Here’s a testimonial from one of them:
"I want to express my heartfelt thanks for everything that made the Cocoon Retreat one of the best experiences of my life. From the moment I arrived, I felt surrounded by such warmth, care, and positive energy.
Since the retreat, I’ve been practicing the techniques we learned, especially those that help me relax and center myself. Thanks to this retreat, I’ve been off my sleeping medication since the first night—a change that feels miraculous to me. Thank you for creating such a transformative space for us. I truly hope our paths cross again one day."
— M.H.
If you’re curious to learn more and join us for this next opportunity to reconnect with your body, nurture your nervous system, and cultivate a sense of balance, you can find all the details here.
I will be delighted to collaborate with you on your journey of wellness and personal discovery.
A Space for Rest, Discovery, and Growth
My 1-on-1 sessions create a supportive environment for you to reconnect with your body and explore what it needs to find ease, alignment, and energy. I draw on intuitive, personalized approaches, including:
- Tuina: a therapeutic massage technique rooted in Chinese medicine.
- Craniosacral Therapy: to encourage the release of deep tension and support nervous system balance.
- Somatic Practices: techniques like fascia release, gentle joint mobilization, and exploratory movement to cultivate body awareness and fluidity.
- Naturopathy: Currently working toward certification (expected 2025–2026), I offer consultations that support your overall health by integrating natural, preventative, and adaptive tools tailored to your unique needs. I began this journey to better equip myself to work with individuals facing various health challenges that can be managed through healthy lifestyle habits, just as I manage my autoimmune condition in this way.
- Private Qigong Classes: Movement and Energy
Whether you want to deepen your practice or explore an energetic and embodied approach, these private classes create a space to develop strength, balance, and serenity.
Why Work With Me?
With over ten years of training in somatic movement, bodywork, and mindfulness-based practices—as well as personal experience navigating and overcoming chronic health challenges—I offer a compassionate and technically informed approach. Together, we can explore sustainable and respectful ways to support your well-being.
At the ashram where I go to study in India, I have the privilege of continuing my work with other residents. I had the opportunity to work on several sessions with Lloyd, who shared this testimonial:
First of all, Laure listens deeply, having an incredible depth in his ability to listen and communicate with the subconscious state of our body. Never have I felt such communication within myself. I experienced a deep communication from the start and thereafter each session deepening as trust in our relationship grew.
We had around 7 session so far, having met on our travels in India. He's a rare practicioner who can connect on many levels pure of heart and integrity. Your system will thank you for giving him your time. Its all about the energetic connection to how deep we can truly go.
Feeling Safe, Trusting, and at ease come very naturally when working with Laure. I can't recommend him enough for how he has helped me to date. It's hard to find someone with a natural gift that has blossomed by his own self healing and commitment to help others. Laure works way beyond his years of training, so don't let that sway your decision, as I almost did. I have no no regrets. I took a chance anyway and have nothing but praise for the work he does. - LLoyd Bellshaw
Book Your Session Today
If these services interest you, I invite you to book a session through the scheduling link or contact me directly at hello@laure.love. Insurance receipts (massage therapy) are also available.
Take care,
Laure
