We’re looking forward to introducing you to Lauren Harmon. Check out our conversation below.
Lauren, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think what is misunderstood about bodywork is that some may believe that it is indulgent or selfish to receive bodywork, but touch is essential to humans and horses. It is something that connects us all. It is a form of communication that cultivates a sense of safety. I believe every time I am able to offer a session to someone it doesn’t just benefit them, it benefits their entire community because if they feel more centered and capable that ripples out into the world.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I consider myself an embodiment coach for horses and humans. My intention is to help horses and humans feel their best and live their most embodied lives via many modalities of bodywork and movement! It is about discovering what speaks to them that helps them feel the most alive and vibrant. Horses have been my guides and teachers, and it is very important to me to give back to them and share the wisdom they have taught me with the world. I have also lived a life where being in my body has been hard at times through my journey with endometriosis and other physical challenges. It has left me with a deep sense of empathy for others while witnessing them in their perfection. I know how hard it can be to be seen and heard. I have spent about the last 20 years navigating try to get the medical system to believe me and my experience so that I could get the help I needed. I bring this same dedication and passion advocating for the wellbeing of those that I have the privilege of sharing sessions with.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful is when I got to share time with the horses. When I got to start riding horses as a kid it was like I was literally given wings. I felt limitless. They embody power and softness at the same time. They showed me that power is diverse in how its expressed, and that I can be calm, kind and quiet and still be powerful. You don’t have to be loud to be powerful. For example, a simple change of position of a horse’s ears can have an entire herd called to attention.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell her that she is capable of anything and that its ok to be her full self no matter if the world sees her as weird or an outcast. Simple as that because I wouldn’t want her to hide her brilliance!
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I do my best to show up as my full self in public even though it is scary sometimes. We can never know if the way we will be perceived is accurate to who we are, so it is a daily act of courage to show up as ourselves. When we are willing to share our experiences and vulnerabilities it opens the potentiality for connection. Humanity may contain a multitude of different stories and life experiences, but maybe we are still more alike than we thought possible. We can’t know that unless we are willing to show up as ourselves versus wearing a mask. I still feel like an outcast a lot of the time, but I know it is worth it to keep being me. My hope is that by not trying to hide I give others support in fully being themselves.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope that it’s a story filled with courage and kindness. That when people think of me when I am gone, they share that they felt a sense of being loved and seen by me. I hope I helped them feel a little less alone in the world and that know they are unconditionally worthy and loved!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://instillharmony.com/
- Instagram: @instillharmony
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Instillharmony/
Image Credits
All the photos were taken by Candace Lostroh
https://inthewildandwonder.com/
