Introductions

I've noticed newbies on this platform are giving an introduction. So, here is mine!

Hello, I’m Leslie! (And if you’re already subscribed via the old email newsletter, hello again!)

I’ve noticed newbies on this platform are giving an introduction. So, here is mine!

This is me!

Here’s a little about me professionally:

I identify most closely with being a therapist. I’ve been in this profession for 25 years. Currently, I see a select group of private clients. I specialize in integrating relational trauma through the work of somatics, nervous system and attachment theory education and soul reunification via individuation. -

My formal education (Counseling Psychology) was based mostly on theory and psychopathology; I was taught to see clients through the lens of diagnosing what was wrong.

In 2013, I experienced my first major awakening. After emerging from the sticky goop of my illusions and beginning to walk again (literally!), I went back to school and enrolled in a certificate program called Somatic Experiencing (SE). It was the leading trauma resolution program at that time. It allowed my lens to 180 itself, from seeing adaptations as pathological to resourceful. In essence, they were behaviors that kept that organism alive. This was a phenomenal revelation to me. It fully resonated and completed a burning curiosity in my heart.

10 years later, the foundation of my work with clients lies in awakening the witness within as to observe those adaptations and parts that emerged in early childhood—and to thank them for keeping their organism alive! From there, we work together to bring these adaptations (that no longer work in adult life) to consciousness and integrate them by virtue of growing capacity in their body. From that created space of capacity, we create new neural pathways that engender a healthy relationship with Self, others and our planet. This work is not to transcend, ascend, rise above, biohack or surpass the maladaptive parts of us. Rather, it’s to allow these parts, their accompanying emotions, sensations and thoughts to integrate. It’s about staying with, not leaving oneself.

The intention of my work is to connect individuals to their “Big S-Self (Greater Intelligence, Universe, True Nature, Soul, God, Spirit, Atman, Source, Divinity), and to observe where the ego/prefrontal cortex is masquerading as who we are. Simple in theory, complex in practice. As the saying goes, the longest journey you’ll ever take is the 8-inch one from your mind to your heart.

Philosophically, I adhere very closely to the Jungian Individuation process as a means to connect to the Self. I believe that most people somatically lack access to their core—the anatomical “home” of the Self—and this lack is the cause of almost all suffering. This includes: codependency, attachment/bonding difficulties, personality disorders (including narcissism), and even severe mental illnesses. Shadowboxing in the external world, most people are either creating or destroying their lives to cope with the pain caused by a lack of relationship with the Self. It is the ultimate pleasure for me to assist in introducing clients to their soul and its purpose.

Education has been my savior, and I credit it for saving my life many times. That said, I also have certificates in yoga, yoga therapeutics, Restorative Yoga, Upledger Cranial Sacral Therapy and iRest Yoga Nidra. Physiology is the bedrock of my work, with these elements woven in and used when it feels harmonious to that nervous system.

In 2020, Architecture of Humanity (AoH) was created as a hub for events, retreats and education. Out of necessity, and to reach a larger audience, this business allowed me to teach groups all the beautiful practices, tools and protocols that my private clients were receiving. AoH has become the springboard for an in-the-works sourcebook called Understanding Us. This book will contain a delineated path, as well as all the educational support for those seeking personal growth by means of reuniting with their soul. The prelude to Understanding Us, called How to Date the World, will be released in October. I am excited to share excerpts here on this platform.

Now onto my personal background:

I am a devoted student of yoga. Yoga and I found one another in 2008, and we have been inseparable ever since. As do most students early on the yogic path, I learned Patanjali’s Eight-Limbed version. Nowadays, my soul has been drawn to Kriya and the Himalayan Tradition of Yoga. Tibetan Buddhism is also an influence, as there exists much overlap between it and yoga.

The awakening I experienced in 2013 arose from being subjected to (by proxy) a 3-year FBI investigation. This led me to see societal structures for what they truly were: the government, politics, religion, medicine and education. From that experience, I now have a fundamental disbelief in the efficacy of all these structures. I do, however, have a fundamental belief in the power of small groups of humans operating from a coherent and cooperative place, affecting change. This is the space where my soul lovingly swims in sacred waters.

A few months ago, I began the spontaneous process of another earth-shattering awakening. As I write this, I am just coming out the other end of it. I liken this process to that of the butterfly metamorphosis: it feels like I’m moving from Pupa (chrysalis) to Imago. As the 2013 transformation allowed me to awaken to structural truths, this one is allowing me to see people with clarity: who they truly are, as opposed to who I want them to be or who I hope they’ll be. As to be expected, this is no less devastating, possibly even more so than the first, as my egoic veils have been removed and I’m adjusting to a new lens.

Five months ago, I decided to take all social media off my phone. After the peace of no longer having FOMO, I removed any web searches (unless completely necessary) from my phone. Surprised by the freedom this created, I looked at other places where I could remove distractions from realizing my dharma (soul’s purpose). This has become a wonderful spiritual journey that I’ve called “Living in the Void.”

So, here I am back on social media, but this time it feels like an opening…a portal to be here on Substack. Thank you for reading this personal declaration. I am grateful for the deep and meaningful writing I’ve read so far on this platform.

I look forward to making honest connections.

From the heart, Leslie Boyd