Nice to meet you!
About Me
The parent website, "Cognizant Soma" (in Links), was a natural extension of my work over the years, but this site, "Stedawi," was not foreseen. It was purely a result of suggestions by others, and my observing the changes that occurred among those willing to challenge their habitual patterns by exploring within to find a different approach. The stories created by those discoveries needed a place to be told, and this site is where I hope to share some of those inspiring accounts. Newfound awareness and a fresh perspective can only lead to understanding. We always talk about "personal growth," but this sounds more like something the "world in general" could use right now, doesn't it? Perhaps inspiring one person at a time is a step in that direction, and that would include myself.
The acronym "Stedawi" (Steh-dah'-vee) began as an artist/author signature in the 1980s, but quickly became a nickname. With the arrival of the internet, it became an online moniker, a business name, and now, of course, the name of this site. Residing in Hawaii since 1976, I've seen many changes to this place that has been my home for so many years. But I've also seen many changes in myself during that time. I mention this because it would seem to account for a life that others find unusual. I don't see it as such, but we seldom see ourselves as others do, and that may well describe much within the stories found here, as well as the content on the parent site, "Cognizant Soma" (Links). My long association with Neuro Somatics and Somatic Awareness began in 1977, soon after arriving in the islands. A life-threatening experience took me full circle...back to undergraduate study in behavioral science. Working three jobs at the time, I was certainly open to options, but migrating into the personal care sector was completely unforeseen. My interest in cognition led to resuming post-graduate study in Neuro-Psychology, while Chinese martial arts led to earning an M.A. in Chinese medicine/acupuncture and a shiatsu therapy license. Shiatsu & Somatic Therapy occupied the decades that followed, before adding Feldenkrais and Respiration/Breathing, shifting the practice entirely to somatic therapy & NeuroSomatic learning. Several events within those two decades would actually create the connections to our initial story, "An Awakening To Gift A World, and the connections that exists to this day.
I'm Stephen Williams, and I invite you to join me for inspiring stories of personal growth and transformative change. You'll follow the journeys of individuals who've managed to discover and unlock a version of themself that was always there to some degree, perhaps suppressed by a mistaken self-identity, or held hostage by unwarranted fears or doubts. Their journeys toward discovery and the challenges they faced may send chills up your spine and bring tears to your eyes, but those effects are a sign of your empathy and appreciation, each a step toward growth in its own right. Moreover, if a story can evoke such reactions, then it may also inspire you to look beyond your current view of yourself. Once the blinders are removed, you may see yourself in a whole new light and begin to unlock your own potential.
I hope you'll join me,
Stephen Williams
|
