GOING IN
AND
COMING
BACK OUT.

I had a significant dream some years ago that created an opening for me to begin learning the language of my own body. I was inside a mountain and had lost my way. I became desperate to find the way out. I eventually came upon four people who looked identical, and pleaded with them to tell me the way out. They looked at me, and without speaking, indicated I should follow them.

They led me to a ledge inside the mountain where there was a large body of blue water. They lined up at the ledge and, one by one, jumped feet-first into the water. None of them reemerged. In that moment, I realized they'd never actually told me this was the way out, and I began to fear I might die if I jumped into this unknown liquid.

And then I heard a voice from behind me say, "All you have to do is feel it in your body." Suddenly, it made sense: whether I was going to die or not, what mattered most was whether I could experience the feeling of jumping, notice the sensation of falling, feel the water as my body became immersed in it.

When I realized it was the noticing and experiencing that mattered most, I leapt into the water. But I immediately felt like I hadn't taken a big enough breath, so I inhaled—and I was able to breathe underwater. I felt my entire body shake out the tension of not knowing, and relax from my head to me toes.

Shanon perches irreverently on the back of a gold striped wingback chair, before a gallery of oil paintings leaned up against her fireplace.

SHANON EMERSON

I'm a certified coach, and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), and Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT). I help people learn the language of their bodies and follow it into a more authentic expression of self. As a safe and compassionate witness, I offer my clients a place to feel fully vulnerable — to share what's happening within, without judgment. From there, more ease, clarity, and self-trust can begin to unfold.

LET'S TALK

  • Shanon has helped inspire me to care for myself in ways that allow me to grow in my clarity and accountability and self-care, all while experiencing a high degree of self-acceptance and joy.

    Dan

  • The way Shanon was able to speak to my situation helped me unravel even more the stories in my head and see things for what they are.

    Heather

  • This group allowed me to have a space to share my creative doubts and fears, and I stepped away starting to work on one of the biggest creative projects I've ever been part of.

    Olivia

  • I would describe Shanon as a magic mirror. She reflects who I am and helps me see what else might be going on that I haven't yet seen or articulated myself. The relationship I have with her is probably the most important one I've had in my working life.

    Bobby

HERE FOR
THE JOURNEY

I believe in the tension of opposites: allowing beauty to exist inside pain, and recognizing the joy that emerges alongside struggle. Being human is no easy task—but when we’re able to witness the duality of darkness and light, we create space to become curious. That curiosity allows us to integrate more strength and delight into our daily lives. 

I’ve made this focus of the art I create in addition to the foundation of my work. By capturing the temporal beauty of nature, adjusting the speed and image, I’m able to embed the emotion of my life into a shareable experience.

These wordless diaries communicate something timeless and ephemeral, an impression of the world around me that seeks to evoke the same tenderness in others, giving us all permission to deeply feel.

To see what I’m currently creating, check out my two-year project Various and Sundry. ▲

AS ABOVE, SO BELOW.

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