Over the Moon - S1:E2: We Hold Each Other Through Stuff

Title: We Hold Each Other Through StuffDiscover how embodied movement, community, and faith intersect to foster healing, trust, and resilience. Elle Dowd shares her journey from trauma to empowerment through barre, theology, and community engagement.In this episode:Elle Dowd’s unique background as a pastor, scholar, and fitness instructorHow movement helps process trauma and build trust in oneselfThe parallels between inhabiting a body and living out faithThe importance of agency, modifications, and self-compassion in movementCommunity as a source of collective safety, support, and wonderThe power of curiosity, vulnerability, and wonder in healing and growthThe connection between nervous system health and spiritual wellbeingHow embodiment challenges white western narratives separating body and spiritThe role of trauma and healing in reclaiming wonder and trusting oneselfPracticing mindfulness through intentional attention and movementTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Elle Dowd’s multifaceted journey 00:15 - Elle’s background: pastoral work, bisexual theology, and barre instructor 01:09 - Elle’s surprising path from gym avoidance to fitness teaching 02:31 - The healing power of agency in movement 04:54 - Movement as somatic therapy for trauma recovery 07:14 - Trauma living in the body and the importance of embodiment 09:41 - Trusting ourselves through intentional movement 10:34 - Community and collective safety in Barre 3 classes 13:18 - Mindful self-talk and internal affirmations during exercise 14:56 - The importance of discernment and truth in a world of competing voices 16:11 - Connection between physical, spiritual, and emotional health 17:48 - Listening to the body’s signals versus old trauma narratives 20:22 - Self-compassion and responding to body’s needs 21:37 - The role of mindfulness in reclaiming wonder 22:33 - Moving from frozen scarcity to life and vitality 28:18 - The body, faith, and liberating narratives 30:38 - Barre classes as liturgical, embodied community 33:00 - Resilience, community support, and collective healing 36:46 - Wonder in community and the sacred in shared care 41:52 - Allowing vulnerability and curiosity to guide growth 43:30 - Movement as an expression of faith and God’s continual becoming 48:49 - The importance of relaxation and real rest over tension and locking down 53:24 - Discovering new muscles and reconnection with the body 62:49 - Embracing imperfections and trusting the ongoing journey 66:41 - Wonder, uncertainty, and the call to keep moving forward 68:55 - The analogy of wall sits and life’s necessary transitions 70:26 - Living out purpose amidst institutional challenges 71:16 - The importance of choosing oneself and embodying joy 72:13 - Closing reflections on trust, embodiment, and hopeResources & Links:Chicago Theological SeminaryBarre3This episode invites you into a conversation on embodied faith, collective healing, and trusting the movement of life and spirit. Take a moment to listen, reflect, and find your own rhythm of trust and wonder. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wondercapture.substack.com