In my journey as both a seeker and as Soma Groove facilitator, I've walked two intertwining paths—one inward, facing my own shadows, and one outward, guiding others to do the same. This dual perspective has shown me a profound truth: our deepest healing doesn't just happen in the mind; it resonates through every fiber of our being.

For years, like many, I pushed down emotions that didn't fit my self-image—anger, unworthiness, shame, fear...

Even today, a lot of the mainstream self-help narrative is being in the light, feeling good, positive, bubbly and to move away from discomfort or "bad" thoughts, so I thought focusing on positivity would make those less wanted thoughts and emotions disappear. For some reason, that never fully worked for me, I always felt that it kept me at a superficial level, almost like learning how to float on the waters, but a deeper wisdom in me started whispering that it was about learning to dive deep in those dark waters!...

In reality, that approach just pushed those "less wanted" emotions, beliefs and sensations into the deep dark waters of my being, hidden away, but actually steering my life in ways I didn't understand nor realise!

It was through the transformative power of shadow work and somatic practices that I finally found my way home to myself, a beautiful never ending journey within!

Shadow work - a concept illuminated by beautiful teachers like Teal Swan, Nicole LaPera, my portuguese soul sister and inspiration Inês Gaya, as well as my own incredible therapist and dearest sister Aga - involves exploring those parts of ourselves we've denied or disowned. All that is hidden in the shadows of your being, the deep mesh in your body and in your subconscious mind... But it's not about dwelling in darkness, it's about bringing these hidden aspects into the light of consciousness. This approach resonates deeply with the philosophy at Soma Groove, where we believe that every emotion, every experience, leaves its mark on our bodies, creating a unique inner landscape.

I discovered that my body held stories and memories my conscious mind had long forgotten, that all of my shadows where there, waiting for me to just be present.
And as I started to tap into deeper states of safety, and holding space for these hidden parts of myself to be seen and fully felt, I was able to connect and integrate so much more of all that I am! Every journey within brings information, more space and more opportunities to tap into and align with my unique true self.

During one powerful session, as tribal drums filled the room, a wave of old anger and pain rose within me. In the past, I would've suppressed it. But that day I used one of my most powerful mantras: "today I chose different" and the courage to allow it just naturally appeared, and I let that anger move through me.

My movements became sharp, powerful, frantic. My screams shook every cell of my body, a deep awakening of regaining power, pure embodiment of personal power. And every time my mind tried to resist it, i told her, "This part of me exists, and that's okay." "The body never lies. I trust you, tell your story." And so I did, through every twist, stomp, cry and release.

When the session ended, I felt lighter yet more grounded.

By allowing my "shadow" anger to dance, to express fully, I'd taken away its power to control and limit me unconsciously.

With Soma Groove I have the privilege of guiding others through similar journeys. I've witnessed a woman who believed she was "too sensitive" learn to honor this trait through dance, realising it gave her a unique capacity for empathy. I supported so many men who where always told to be "the strong one", that "boys don't cry", allow theirselves to move and cry in vulnerability, opening a beautiful space for authentic and deep connection.

At Soma Groove, we don't just dance; we dialogue with every part of ourselves.

That inner critic? Dance its doubt.

Buried grief? Let your body mourn.

Joy you're afraid to fully feel? Let it burst through in movement.

We welcome softness as well as catharsis; it's somatic education, it's emotional capacity and flexibility, it's freedom to be real and whole, It's connecting with your truth.

Through movement and pure embodied presence, you learn to read and listen to your body's signals, gaining profound insights into your needs and desires.

Our approach aligns with holistic psychology, which recognises that simply layering positive thoughts over unresolved issues rarely leads to lasting change. That you can't just think your way out of it.

Real transformation happens when we courageously and kindly face what we've been avoiding.

But here's the key—we don't just face these shadows intellectually; we embody the process.

In one session, I guided participants to write down a limiting core belief on paper. One woman wrote, "I'm unworthy of love." As soulful music played, she crumpled that paper and began to dance with it. At first, her movements were constrained, reflecting her belief. But as she continued, something shifted. She started to cradle the paper, then hold it high, then finally let it go in a spin of liberation. Without words, her body had rewritten that old story.

This is the alchemy of Soma Groove: what you dare to embody, you can transform.

That perfectionism you thought was ambition? Through breath and motion, you might realize it's actually fear in disguise. Once seen and felt in your body, it begins to shift. Now when you dance, there's a new quality—a graceful striving, not for flawlessness, but for authentic growth.

The journey isn't always easy. There are sessions where facing a shadow feels daunting. But at Soma Groove, you're never alone. We're a community, each on our own path, yet moving together. When one person bravely expresses anger, it gives others permission to acknowledge theirs. When someone dances their joy uninhibitedly, it ignites a spark in us all.

As the guide, I craft each session from my heart through my body, trusting my intuition and an higher guidance, that what needs to come will come. I hold space so you can feel safe, using a dynamic blend of dance, breathwork, meditation, somatics and music therapy. Upbeat rhythms help you embody your strengths and dreams. Deeper, more resonant tones support you in honoring your shadows. Through carefully chosen music and guided somatic practices, you regulate your nervous system, creating a physiological state where processing shadow material feels safe, even liberating.

Your shadow isn't your enemy (this one took me a while to understand).

It's the part of you waiting to be understood, integrated, even cherished and loved.

At Soma Groove, we create a vibrant, nurturing space for this reunion. Here, every step, every breath, every beat is an opportunity to speak the language your body and soul have been yearning to share.

This work, this service has transformed my life, both as an individual doing my own inner work, as well as a guide, witnessing the power of somatic shadow work in others, and by doing so, healing so much within myself as well... I've seen first hand how bringing light to the darkest corners of our psyche doesn't diminish us—it makes us whole. It turns our struggles into strengths, our wounds into wisdom.

So, whether you're carrying old anger, unprocessed grief, or joy you're afraid to claim, I invite you to Soma Groove.

Here, you'll move through doubt, shake off old stories, and dance new truths into being.

You'll learn that your body isn't just a vehicle for your mind; it's a wise guide, leading you back to your most authentic self.

In a world that often encourages us to skim the surface, Soma Groove dares you to dive deep. Either in group or private one-on-one sessions, it will always be an opportunity to come back to yourself, to come home.

To your body's wisdom. To your soul's truth. To the beautiful, complex entirety of who you are.

Your full self—light and shadow alike—is waiting. All you need to do is allow.

Join us at Soma Groove, where every dance is a step toward wholeness, and every session is an invitation to embrace your entire, magnificent being.

Until we groove again,

Vanda