#13 - Ash Shields: How Song, Safety, and Radical Play Unlock the Creative Self You've Been Silencing

Ash Shields is a community song leader, musician, performance artist, and workshop facilitator with a background in environmental education and cycle health. She is deeply passionate about collective expression, using song, dance, theatrical antics, and creative play to curate spaces that are safe, informative, and joy-filled for all ages. When she's not facilitating, she can be found crafting with fiber arts, practicing puppetry, learning street dance, writing poetry, experimenting with sound, and balancing on slacklines!In this episode, Ash shares her journey from self-doubt to confident performer, illustrating how community and music foster genuine expression.  Discover her unique approach to blending environmental education with music, creating spaces for adults and children to reconnect with their innate playfulness. Ash offers practical insights on building confidence and using music to cultivate community and healing.Highlights:Ash’s childhood relationship with music and play, inspired by her love of diverse genresHer evolution from exploring music independently to facilitating community song circles and workshopsThe role of safety and support in overcoming performance anxiety and embracing vulnerabilityHow slacklining and mindfulness techniques helped Ash build confidence in performingThe transformative power of collective singing, improvisation, and ceremonial sound practicesThe significance of integrating art and environmental education for holistic community engagementThe impact of grief and healing spaces in deepening her connection to music as medicinePractical tips on shifting perspective to find magic in everyday routinesThe importance of honoring childlike expression and supporting human authenticityTimestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Ash Shield, community song leader and performance artist05:01 – How Ash first connected with music and rhythm through childhood experiences15:20 – Overcoming stage fright with slacklining and breathwork techniques25:40 – Building community through song circles and creative improvisation35:39 – The role of vulnerability and permission in collective expression44:22 – Exploring sound healing and ceremonial music practices50:02 – The power of gratitude and mindfulness in everyday life55:18 – Embracing imperfection and supporting authenticity in performance60:35 – Thoughts on thriving life as a continuous journey of self-discoveryConnect with Ash:Ash’s Website Ash’s Instagram Connect with Brooke & Matt:Brooke & Matt Website Brooke’s Instagram Matt Instagram Join Our SKOOL Community:Connect with us on SKOOL HERE😃/ https://www.skool.com/rise-2-thrive-2177/aboutSubscribe to our “Updates from the Road” Newsletter:Subscribe Here: https://rise2thrive.kit.com/subscribe