everydaYblackbelt
Hi, I'm Elisabeth Fisher.
Ever since I can remember, I wanted to create harmony in my environment. Since my early teens, I have been the designated diplomat, sounding board, smoother of tensions, and restorer of peace in my family.
Back then, I had no idea people could do this sort of thing for a living, so I went on to negotiate deals as a big firm corporate lawyer.
When I discovered that "mediator" was an actual job, I was thrilled that I could get paid for what I had been doing for most of my life - managing complex relationships and bringing people together. I felt I had finally arrived. Professionally, that is.
In my personal life, my desire for harmony had found expression in some very unhealthy dynamics. If "Doormat" was an Olympic discipline, I would have been a strong contender for the gold medal.
I was an expert in
My legal and conflict resolution training had equipped me with solid communication and negotiation skills, and with the ability to calmly handle tense situations. I was great at using these skills for my clients' benefit, but for some reason, I was unable to do the same thing for myself. I had no desire to overpower anyone, and the only other option I saw was to retreat and accommodate.
Fortunately, I found a way out of this painful dynamic. Surprisingly, at least to my very intellectual self, the key was not more mindset work - although that certainly helped. The fundamental shift toward how I now approach conflict situations, and how I live my life in general, occurred through my body.
In 2007, after having been a couch potato for most of my life, I began martial arts training. As I learned how to defend myself against physical attacks, I developed a sense of empowerment that transferred to all areas of my life. By the time I earned the rank of Shodan (first degree Black Belt) in Kenpo Karate, I no longer felt like a victim.
Along the way, I also discovered Yoga, and I became fascinated with how our posture affects how we think, feel, and act - not only on the mat, but in everyday situations.
What I learned through many years of personal practice and five teaching and coaching certifications - Yin and Vinyasa Yoga through YogaWorks (RYT 500), Embodied Yoga Principles (now Embodied Toolkit), Embodiment Coaching, and Embodied Meditation - literally changed my life:
The most effective starting point for
changing my emotional state and my behavioral patterns is
changing how I hold my body and how I move.
I now consciously use my posture and breathing to stay calm, focused, and confident.
I am no longer afraid to
These days, when someone tries to walk all over me, they don't get very far. I still don't like to fight, but I could - and would! - if I ever had to. The prospect of conflict in my personal life no longer sends me into hiding, and I can now use all my fancy communication skills for everyone's benefit (including my own), even in the most challenging conversations. As a result, my relationships are much more balanced and meaningful, and I am so much happier.
This is what I want for you, too.
I hope to see you in one of my classes or workshops.
To work with me one-on-one, click the button below to contact me.
everydaYblackbelt
Mind-body training for more peaceful relationships.
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