Musicians are invited to join a groundbreaking program designed to help you develop the ability to play intuitively, responding in the moment to the energy, presence, and movement of others. This unique journey combines music, movement, special protocols for building resiliency and vitality, and whole-person awareness.  This approach will also provide the space to open the door to new creative collaborations and engage the innate healing potential in both the musician and the recipient.

Discovering the Experience

Music and Movement in the Spring of 2025

• This series has been recorded and will provide for personal space and time to experience the process of the program. 
• The Center of Focus: Building Resiliency Protocols using NeuroArts.
• Explore how the body, mind, and energy systems support your capacity to connect with intuitive inspiration.
• Learn practical tools to build awareness and expand your personal and musical flexibility.
• Continued access to recordings and structured resources to revisit as you deepen your practice.
• This award-winning program has been shared at a Global Unwinding Trauma Conference in Tenerife, Spain, as well as at the 50th Anniversary Touch for Health Conference in San Diego, CA, USA, and the Marathon Jam special event for Music and Movement in North Carolina, as well as online webinars and classes, including presentations with CanBeWell – The Canadian Association of BioEnergetic Wellness.

Music and Movement in the Fall of 2025

• This new session runs for 12 weeks beginning September 9 at Noon Atlantic, 8 am Pacific, and 4 pm in the UK.
• Through the biofield and the spiritual essence of the spine, you will gain knowledge about the nervous system, organ systems, muscles, meridians, and elements from the Five Element Theory from Chinese Medicine.
• Collaborate with Colin MacLeod, whose improvisational soundscapes are inspired by participants each week, as well as the weekly themes for discovery.
• Movement and awareness applications are offered by Dr Michelle Greenwell, PhD CIH BioEW, to help build knowledge about frequency, colour, sound, and movement. She will be sharing her Five Element Tai Chi Patterns, including the very popular Kundalini Rising sequence.
• No experience necessary—this is a co-creative exploration of how sound and movement expand human potential.
• This new program is an extension of the research done by Dr Greenwell for her dissertation and master’s thesis work, and now includes a full neuroarts component, moving beyond her research on sound, frequency, the spine, muscles, meridians, elements, and emotions.
• Colin MacLeod’s training in classical music, playing by ear, Touch for Health (R) and sound therapy provide a wide range of skills to bring to the musician and explore their area of interest.

Special Office Hours for Musicians

Understanding that musicians will be gaining personal experience with the Movement and Music classes, the office hours will be a chance to expand on the theories used, creativity, and exploration. We look forward to discussions and collaborations to explore what the musician is experiencing through the ideas created in the program.

• Mondays at 8 pm Eastern | 1 hour weekly
• Dedicated time to:
  • Lay the groundwork for adding intuitive playing and bioenergetic protocols to your skill set.
  • Explore the role of NeuroArts in creativity and healing.
  • Develop your intuitive skills and collaborate with other musicians on new frontiers of music and wellness.

What You Receive

• Over 36 hours of movement, music, protocols, and experiences to gain skill in listening to the body and providing musical inspiration.
• Theory, background, and application for integrating intuitive music into practice and performance
• Recordings for personal review and deeper learning
• A supportive community of musicians, artists, writers, and movers

Future Opportunities

This program will expand in January 2026, leading to greater collaborative explorations and culminating in two retreat opportunities:

• May 2026 – Virginia, USA
• August 2026 – Cape Breton Island, Canada

This is more than training—it’s a journey into the future of music, healing, and human connection.

The cost is $597 plus tax for two – 12 hour courses, recordings, documentation, and 12 hours of office hour explorations and collaborations. And a special reduced rate for the next week for those registering early – $497 plus tax.

This is a Pilot program, and your involvement at the ground level will bring new insights and growth to the program as we work towards the retreat opportunities.

Within this program are the inspirations of Therapeutic Touch (R), Touch for Health (R), Brain Gym (R), NeuroReflex integration, Tai Chi, dance, playing by ear, playing through music, sound therapy, and Complimentary and Integrative Health research.  With over 40 years of experience each in the performing arts, our facilitators have a wealth of knowledge and expertise to share as they inspire your intuition, creativity, and desire to gain more from your musical explorations. 

The post 🎶 Intuitive Musician Training Program first appeared on Greenwell Center for Holistic Health.

https://youtu.be/NhKlB5lDGc4?si=27L44trYWyUiKDVf

Finding Power in the Solar Plexus

Michelle began by guiding listeners to explore the area just above the belly button—the solar plexus—home to the diaphragm and key digestive organs like the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. Often, shallow breathing and poor posture constrict this area, tightening both body and emotions. This physical smallness can lead to feelings of anger, resentment, and self-judgment—emotions that belong to the wood element in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

“When you breathe bigger,” Michelle shared, “you create expansion. That’s when transformation can happen.” This simple truth is the gateway to empowerment—by giving yourself the space to breathe fully, you give yourself permission to take up space emotionally and energetically as well.

A Breath and Movement Practice to Expand Your Energy

Michelle offered a beautifully simple Tai Chi movement called Commencement to help listeners embody expansion. Whether seated or standing, the practice begins by gently pressing into the feet or seat to invite the arms to float upward with the breath. As the breath deepens and the joints soften, the arms rise with ease, flowing through energetic pathways that align the mind and body.

She invited listeners to breathe in “peace within,” feeling the belly expand and the body settle. Exploring what this intention extends to movement and relaxation. After exploring this for a few movement patterns, she then invites the listener to change the intention to “peace without,” connecting to the collective breath of millions and recognizing our place in something greater than ourselves.

This grounding practice helps release the constriction of judgment and isolation, and encourages a return to confidence, clarity, and connection.

Radiate and Rise: An Invitation for Empowered Living

In alignment with the episode’s theme of Radiate and Rise, Michelle encouraged everyone to approach each day with intention: “Start your day the way you want it to go.” Rather than beginning with stressful headlines or outside chaos, begin with breath, movement, and a conscious choice to expand into possibility.

Michaela beautifully reinforced this idea by reminding us that how we feel on the inside is reflected on the outside—and vice versa. When we feel boxed in physically, mentally, or emotionally, we can become disconnected from ourselves and others. But when we choose breath, posture, and intention, we reclaim our inner power and begin to shine our light more brightly in the world.

Watch and Learn More

If you’re curious to experience the Commencement movement or want to watch the energy unfold in real time, be sure to visit Michaela’s YouTube channel or Michelle Greenwell’s channel, where the full episode and guided practices are available. You’ll find more tools to support mind-body connection and discover how subtle shifts can unlock greater vitality and joy.

Also, be sure to follow the entire Radiate and Rise series this month, as Michaela shares the body, mind, and spirit aspects of the theme with each of her monthly guests.

Empowerment begins with the breath.
Radiance begins with presence.
And both begin with you.

Sip into Radiance: Bras D’Or Sunset and the Energy of Empowerment

To complement the empowering conversation on the solar plexus and living boldly, Dr. Michelle Greenwell brought along a radiant cup of Bras D’Or Sunset (pronounced ‘brah door’) from the Cape Breton Tea Company. This vibrant, orange-yellow blend is inspired by golden beach memories—bonfires at dusk, waves lapping the shore, and that soothing warmth of the setting sun. Infused with the intention to “put yourself at ease as you center into the golden memories that rejuvenate and inspire you,” Bras D’Or Sunset aligns beautifully with the solar plexus energy. Its glowing color and comforting essence serve as a gentle reminder to embrace your inner light, expand your energy, and rise into your day with confidence.

Bras D’Or Sunset is a part of the Harmony Blends series, that have traveled to Tenerife, Spain, and San Diego, California, for special conference presentations. The six teas in this series are colour coded for the chakra system and are part of an Unwinding Trauma – Building Resiliency program offered at the Greenwell Center for Holistic Health. You can find the Movement and Music 12 week course in the shop, which can walk you through the expansion of a challenge into its fruitful support for claiming new perspective and opportunity. These recorded sessions provide you with intuitive music played specifically for transforming each part of the trauma journey, along with movement patterns to bring into your daily practice. The teas are highlighted to provide you with a full series that can transform you by sipping on them through the day or adding them to challenging activities that you want to have support and empowerment with.

As you consider what you need to Radiate and Rise, Dr Michelle Greenwell, has many different tools to help you realize your dreams.

Are you interested in learning more about Tai Chi?

You can find the in-person classes on the calendar for the Greenwell Center for classes on Cape Breton Island in Inverness County. In the Okanagan Valley, you can find Wine Country Tai Chi Society classes in West Kelowna. Both offer seated and standing options for all levels and abilities. You can learn more about the classes by checking out their landing pages and blogs. For online classes, follow Michelle’s posts. Coming up in August is a special nature series to support how to take your Tai Chi out into nature with intuitive musician Colin MacLeod, and in the fall they will be expanding her programming into a certification program for movement enthusiasts as well as musicians wanting to learn more about playing for movement classes and using the Unwinding Trauma – Building Resiliency protocols.

Have you been inspired yet? Tea, podcasts, movement, connection, learning…it all begins with your action to learn more, bring more into your day, and expand your influence to the people around you.

The post Living Boldly from the Inside Out – Exploring the Solar Plexus with Michaela Jones first appeared on Greenwell Center for Holistic Health.

Trauma is not just an emotional experience—it leaves an imprint on the nervous system, affecting the body in profound ways. Whether it manifests as chronic pain, digestive issues, fatigue, or emotional distress, unresolved trauma often lingers until it is given a safe way to release. Understanding how trauma is stored in the body and how movement can facilitate healing is essential for reclaiming balance and well-being.

Understanding Trauma and the Body’s Response

Trauma is more than a memory—it lives within the body. When faced with overwhelming stress or a traumatic event, the nervous system shifts into survival mode, often leading to chronic tension patterns, shallow breathing, or even dissociation from bodily sensations. Many people experience suppressed emotions that show up as physical symptoms, such as tightness in the chest, digestive discomfort, or headaches.

Michaela Jones, ND, works with clients who struggle with chronic conditions linked to unresolved trauma. She highlights how trauma isn’t just psychological—it gets embedded in the body’s tissues and nervous system, influencing posture, movement, and overall health. Without proper release, the body remains in a heightened state of stress, making relaxation and healing difficult.

Movement as a Pathway to Emotional Release

Traditional talk therapy is valuable, but it often doesn’t address the physical aspects of trauma. Dr. Michelle Greenwell, CIH, emphasizes that movement-based therapies like Tai Chi, Qigong, and somatic exercises provide a powerful way to unlock trauma stored in the body. These gentle, flowing movements create a sense of safety, helping to regulate the nervous system and restore balance.

Michaela explains how areas like the hips, shoulders, and jaw commonly store tension, reflecting emotional burdens that have not yet been processed. Simple somatic exercises, such as mindful stretching or slow, intentional movement, can release this tension and allow emotions to surface in a manageable way.

Michelle shares real-life examples of people who have experienced breakthroughs after consistent movement practice. Whether it’s improved posture, deeper breathing, or the release of long-held tension, these transformations highlight the body’s innate ability to heal when given the right tools.

The Science Behind Somatic Healing

The connection between movement and healing is rooted in science.

• The vagus nerve, responsible for regulating the body’s stress response, is directly influenced by movement. Engaging in slow, rhythmic motions helps shift the nervous system from a state of fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest, promoting a sense of calm and safety.
• Research has shown that trauma-informed movement practices, such as yoga and Tai Chi, reduce cortisol levels and increase emotional resilience.
• Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to rewire itself, means that regular movement practices can create new, healthier stress-response patterns over time.

Michelle highlights the role of fascia, the body’s connective tissue, in trauma storage. Fascia holds onto physical and emotional stress, and spontaneous movements like shaking or trembling during healing work are natural signs of release.

Choosing the Right Practice for You

Not all movement therapies are the same, and it’s important to find a practice that feels comfortable and safe.

Michaela explains the differences between trauma-informed yoga, somatic exercises, dance therapy, and energy-based practices, offering guidance on choosing the best approach based on personal history and needs. Some clients may initially struggle with movement due to fear or resistance, but finding the right method can be transformative.

Michelle addresses common concerns, such as “I’m not flexible enough” or “I don’t want to relive my trauma.” Tai Chi, for example, is a gentle, non-invasive practice that allows individuals to reconnect with their bodies without forcing movement or triggering past trauma.

Practical Steps to Integrate Movement for Healing

Healing through movement doesn’t require hours of practice—it starts with small, intentional steps.

Michaela suggests:

• Performing daily self-check-ins to notice areas of tension.
• Using micro-movements, such as rolling the shoulders or stretching the spine, to release built-up stress.
• Incorporating a 5-minute movement practice before bed to improve sleep and emotional well-being.

Michelle offers a simple Tai Chi movement for beginners, encouraging consistency over intensity. Small, regular movements are more effective than occasional, high-intensity workouts when it comes to trauma healing.

Final Thoughts

By understanding how trauma is stored in the body and using movement as a tool for release, individuals can reclaim their health and emotional balance. Whether through Tai Chi, somatic exercises, or mindful stretching, engaging in gentle movement allows the nervous system to reset, creating a pathway to deeper healing.

Join Michaela Jones, ND, and Dr. Michelle Greenwell, CIH, for a live discussion on this topic Friday at 3 PM Central | 5 PM Atlantic on YouTube. Learn how to harness movement for healing and take practical steps toward emotional and physical well-being.

#HealingThroughMovement #SomaticHealing #TaiChiForTrauma #MindBodyWellness #TraumaRecovery

Ready to learn more about movement based practices? Check out the Events and Dr Michelle’s schedule of classes.

Are you in West Kelowna, BC? You can join Wine Country Tai Chi Society classes there. Dr Michelle Greenwell will be hosting a special Wellness Retreat Mar 21 – 23. Check out the registration information.

Join Colin MacLeod and Dr Michelle Greenwell at the 50th Anniversary of the Touch for Health Conference in San Diego. A special post conference workshop on movement to heal the body with music will be offered with a two day certificate.

Do you live in North Carolina? Have you been to a Marathon Jam event? Consider this special retreat happening April 12th. Stay tuned for more information.

The post Releasing Trauma Through Movement first appeared on Greenwell Center for Holistic Health.

Do you have a favorite song that instantly lifts your spirits? Perhaps you hear a melody on the radio that transports you back in time, filling you with nostalgia and cherished memories. Or maybe, when an upbeat tune starts playing, your feet instinctively begin to move. Music is a universal language that speaks to our hearts and souls, and its power has been documented for centuries.

From the steady rhythm of a heartbeat to the shimmering of light and even the gentle hum of plants in a garden, music has been interwoven into the very fabric of life. Today, it is an integral part of our daily experiences, shaping our moods, strengthening our communities, and supporting our wellness journeys.

In the latest episode of Be Well with Dr. Michelle Greenwell, we dive into the transformative power of music with Lyn Koonce—a gifted facilitator, vocal coach, and musician. With both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music education and choral conducting, Lyn has spent years working with diverse music groups, from school bands and church choirs to community singers and worship bands. Her deep understanding of musical expression and connection has allowed her to create spaces where people can experience the healing potential of sound.

As a touring singer/songwriter, Lyn has played throughout the United States, touching audiences with her unique musical style. Her studies in improvisation with legendary artists like Bobby McFerrin and Music for People have helped her craft a practice known as Circle Sounds—an inventive approach to improvisational music and group connection. This dynamic and intuitive practice is inspired by Musica do Circulo (Music from the Circle), a method based in Brazil that emphasizes collaboration, playfulness, and deep listening.

Lyn brings Circle Sounds to a variety of settings, including organizations, music festivals, schools, faith communities, and retreat centers. Through this practice, she helps teams develop better communication, cultivate trust, and foster creativity, all while harnessing the power of spontaneous musical expression.

This episode is an inspiring exploration of how music can be a powerful ally in healing, personal growth, and human connection. Whether you’re a musician, a music lover, or simply someone curious about the impact of sound on well-being, Lyn’s insights will leave you feeling uplifted and ready to embrace the magic of music.

Tune in now to listen to the full conversation!

You can learn more about Lynn Koonce at www.lynkooncemusic.com

Celebrate King George tea and the power of Black tea to calm the nervous system and bring clarity of mind. You can find this tea in our shop.

#MusicHealing #Podcast #BeWell #MusicTherapy #HealingThroughMusic #LynKoonce #CircleSounds #MindBodySpirit

To learn more about the Marathon Jam special event check out the website: www.marathonjam.com Details will be updated shortly.

Marathon Jam is one stop on Michelle’s travels. You can also join the Wellness Retreat offered by Wine Country Tai Chi Society, in West Kelowna, BC.

Michelle will also be supporting the 50th Anniversary of Touch for Health in San Diego, California. Joined by Colin MacLeod on fiddle, they will be providing 8 energy breaks during the conference, a presentation on the power of Touch for Health concepts in self-care, and how to bring movement and music into your life for easy healing sessions.

The post Music as a Healing Ally first appeared on Greenwell Center for Holistic Health.

If you answer “yes” to one of these ideas, then we have the program for you. This is a Building Resiliency program that provides a way for Unwinding Trauma while using your strengths of experience to create the action of support toward your dreams and intentions.

Getting Started with Tea

This can begin with a cup of tea. A simple daily ritual, with intentional application to help you create the space for change to happen.

You will see that our teas are colour coded in the Harmony Blends series to bring you through the Chakra – Energy Building systems.

Our Golden SereniTEA sets the stage for calming the systems, releasing inflammation and stress, and bringing new light and ideas to start a new path. From the Roots where you are grounded, we move to engaging your passions in life.

The Bras D’Or Sunset (pronounced Br-uh Door) provides a way for you to let go of the old habits and thought patterns and begin to open to possibility.

Highland Splendor calms the system once again as you find your heart center and your way into your passions for life and living.

The next two teas are gateways of transformation as you look at your soul’s purpose through SoulTEA Harbour, and into voicing your ideas and being heard through Island VitaliTEA.

Lastly, as you release the old, you are empowered by Mintal ClariTEA as it brings about a new focus and a feeling of empowerment to take action in your new direction. Random thoughts and ideas become a full picture and you find clarity in your purpose.

Harmony Coasters too!

This would be enough in itself with the intentions on each package and the carefully prepared recipes for Building Resiliency, but we have also added empowering intuitive art, and more affirmations with selected tones and frequency notes to bring energy and vitality to your day with each step of your transformation. The Harmony Coasters are easy to place at your desk, or on the table, and you just set your cup on top to be infused by the intentions already set in the coaster. Reading the intentions and connecting with the herb suggestions can begin reflection on your goals and intended outcomes.

Ready to learn more?

You can learn more on the Unwinding Trauma page in our wellness program descriptions at the Greenwell Center for Holistic Health.

In the shop, you can purchase the teas in a 6 pack of 20 gms each with the Harmony Coasters, or with 6 – 50 gm bags and the Harmony Coasters. Or, purchase the tea that speaks to you most in the 50 gm size, or take home the Harmony Coasters to empower your water and other beverages.

At the Greenwell Center and the Cape Breton Tea Company we endeavor to bring you your best days ever! One sip at a time, and one program at a time. Please share with your friends and colleagues, and gift yourself the power of intention and herbs to provide you with your best year yet – Welcome in 2025 with a fantastic, empowered, cup of tea from the Cape Breton Tea Company – you can Build Resiliency easily each day.

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