Winds of Change by Riva Jean-Paul

11/06/2024

Last week, I shared a piece of my soul in my first-ever art show—a culmination of the Voice and Womb project I’ve poured a year of dedication into. For four months, I’ve worked with a small, powerful group of survivors, mothers, and creatives through breathwork, somatic practices, energy work, and trauma-informed care. Together, we’ve journeyed through healing from painful memories, creating space to reclaim our voices. Our process culminated in a deeply symbolic film project, capturing the beauty and power of our transformation, with music I composed and a video I produced in collaboration with a gifted videographer.

The night of the private viewing was a rush of excitement and raw vulnerability, as I presented my music and my vision to friends and the community for the first time. My heart was fully in it, but my body was feeling the strain; between a full-time class load, two art residencies, and lingering upper respiratory issues that made breathing a challenge, I was forced to confront my own limits. To top it off, I had my cycle and an art class to attend that day. My body made it clear: I can’t do it all. So I listened.

As the evening approached, my congestion wasn’t letting up. I embraced how I felt, shared my reality with those around me, and allowed myself to receive support, moving through the night one breath at a time.

Despite the challenges, the night was deeply fulfilling, and when I shared with friends the next day, I discovered we all felt the same intensity over the Scorpio New Moon.

Thank you to the incredible artists, supporters, and guests who made this night unforgettable!
🙏🏽🌹

Here is a 5-minute recap of the show!

10/31/2024

🌑✨ New Additions to Reclamation & Remembering! ✨🌑

Our Reclamation & Remembering show is expanding with even more magic! Join us on November 1st for an evening that aligns with the power of the New Moon and the spirit of Día de los Mu***os. In addition to storytelling, performance art, and community, we’re thrilled to announce some beautiful new offerings:

🎶 Soul-Stirring Music: We’ll be joined by the incredible singer-songwriter Zoe Sheli Sameth whose music will help us tap even deeper into the heart of this evening’s journey.

🌿 Herbal Cocktails: Enjoy delicious non-alcoholic herbal cocktails from Hella Happy, crafted to elevate your experience and honor the connection between body, spirit, and celebration.

If you’re planning on joining us, save by grabbing your ticket on Eventbrite! Tickets will be $33 at the door—and we’ll only be accepting cash or digital payments, so purchasing ahead is highly encouraged.

Let’s rise together on this powerful night, reclaiming our voices, honoring our ancestors, and planting new seeds of intention in the darkness of the New Moon. 🌑💫

Grab your tickets now (link in comments)!

10/28/2024

🌹 Join Us for Reclamation & Remembering 🌹

An immersive art experience calling us to rise in love, reclaim our power, and honor the deep feminine wisdom within.

For centuries, patriarchal systems have devalued womxn, dismissed the feminine, and disconnected us from our cyclical, creative nature. Today, we feel the weight of these structures—in the trauma endured, rising anxiety and depression, and more. But this is not where our story ends.

There is an ancient power within each of us, rooted in the feminine mysteries that were once worshipped and revered. In matriarchal societies, womxn were honored for their life-giving powers and deep connection to nature’s rhythms. As the patriarchy crumbles, the rise of the feminine is unstoppable. This revolution won’t be fought with the tools of the past but with love, creativity, and the power of expression. A group of warrior women is rising now, reclaiming their voices, bodies, and power.

✨ Will you join us? ✨

Featuring the world premiere of Riva Jean-Paul’s music video Reclamation, co-created with participants from the "Voice and Womb Art and Somatic Healing Immersion," along with live performances from local artists. Together, we’ll weave art, healing, and the reclamation of the feminine.

In honor of Día de los Mu***os, we invite you to bring a photo of your mother, grandmother, or other ancestors to place on our community altar as we honor the womxn who came before us.

All genders are welcome!

📅 November 1st, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
📍 The Annex at Clara E. School of Performing Arts

Doors open at 6:15 PM
Tickets at the door: $33
Payment by Cash, Venmo, Cashapp, PayPal, or Zelle only (no card processing)
Light snacks & refreshments provided

Let’s rise together in love, honoring our past and reclaiming our future.

More info through the link in the comments

10/24/2024

Did you know that in the late 19th century, it was widely believed that women were mentally and physically inferior to men? Theories rooted in Darwinism argued that menstruation diverted biological resources, limiting women’s “further brain development,” which somehow justified the notion that men were more evolved.
🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️

That belief is still deeply woven into our patriarchal systems today, impacting every aspect of our lives—from the devaluing of the feminine to the relentless exploitation of our natural cycles and bodies.

The consequences? 1 in 5 women will be r***d in their lifetime. Nearly half of new mothers experience birth trauma. Women are twice as likely to suffer from anxiety and more likely to experience depression. We continue to face mounting expenses just to conform to society’s unrealistic expectations, while women’s reproductive rights are under constant threat.

And yet, beneath the surface, the forgotten wisdom of matriarchal societies is stirring. Ancient cultures, where women were revered for their life-giving powers, honored the feminine mysteries and lived in harmony with nature.
🌹🌍

Those ways are calling to us again.

As the patriarchal systems crumble, we—the warrior women—are RISING!
🔥🔥

But this is a battle we will win not with violence or hate, but with love, softness, community, and the powerful energy of creation.

Join us on November 1st for a very special New Moon featuring the world premiere of my music video “Reclamation,” co-created with participants from The Voice and Womb Art & Somatic Healing Immersion.

You’ll also witness powerful performances from local artists and creatives, honoring the sacred feminine energy within us all.

All genders are welcome!
🤲🏼

🗓: Friday. November 1st

⏱️: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

📍: The Annex at CLARA E. School of Performing Arts

🎟 Tickets are 35% off until Sunday at 11:30 PM in celebration of birthday when you use the code “RISING”

Tap the link in the comments to join us on this night of healing, creativity, and remembrance.

Will you stand with us?

10/21/2024

I quietly turned 35 over the weekend, and it’s funny—I’ve found myself under the weather for maybe the fifth or sixth time this year.
😮‍💨😔

For someone who rarely gets sick and who really prioritizes my health, this has been unusual. But it’s also given me a lot of time to reflect, reprioritize, and realign, which feels like the theme of my 34th trip around the sun.

Looking back to where I was last year, my life was completely different. I had made some really tough decisions to walk away from several situations that weren’t serving me.
🥀🥀

I dove deep into my practices and discovered parts of myself I had shoved away. Parts that had been neglected because I was so focused on fitting into other people’s vision that I lost sight of my own.
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Breathwork guided me with one simple truth: “The only thing you need to do is create.”

A trip to Colorado gave me another message: “Get licensed.” I had never felt such clarity, so I reenrolled in school to start working toward my master’s degree and began creating like I never have before.

Less than a year later, I’ve released my first single, learned to draw and paint (with surprising success), deepened my expertise in my areas of study, and am doing work that I love—work that makes a real impact in the world. And it feels like my body is still catching up!
😮‍💨🥹

My heart and soul have been leading the way, and everything is happening faster than my body can process.

So, I’m learning to navigate the balance between slowing down and speeding up. Even though it was my birthday week, it has also been a time to slow down. I know that slowing down is an essential part of the process—the rebirth always comes after the death.
🦋🔥

And this week, I’m allowing the 34-year-old version of me to fade away, making space for the 35-year-old me to rise. Despite all the challenges, I feel more fulfilled and happier than I ever have.
😌

If you’re local and want to celebrate with me, I’d love for you to join me at my upcoming art show, Reclamation and Remembering!

To celebrate my birthday, tickets are 35% off this week with the code “RISING.” You can find all the details through the link in the comments!

10/12/2024

The waxing moon is a powerful time to step into action and align with your desires. 🌕✨

Join me this Monday, October 14th at 7:00 pm for the Trauma-Informed Waxing Moon Soma Circle, where we’ll harness the growing energy of the moon through somatic healing and creative expression. This circle is designed to ground you in your body’s natural rhythms while helping you gain clarity, confidence, and motivation to manifest your intentions for this lunar cycle.

Bring a journal, something to write with, and any art supplies like colored pencils or watercolors. Together, we’ll take inspired action and nurture the seeds of our desires. 🌱

Let’s gather and create from a place of intention and inner wisdom.

See you there, love! 💖

The waxing moon invites us to step into action, focus on our desires, and move toward our intentions. This circle is designed to help you harness that growing energy, while also staying grounded and aligned with your body’s natural rhythms. Through somatic healing practices and creative activities...

10/07/2024

Do you ever find yourself stuck in the same cycle of feeling “not enough”? Not skinny enough, not productive enough, not healed enough, not perfect enough… it’s exhausting.
😮‍💨🙄😣

And while it may seem like it’s all on you, I’m here to tell you—IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT!!
💁🏽‍♀️💁🏽‍♀️💁🏽‍♀️

This week, during my cycle coaching session , I had a powerful realization. I’ve been pushing myself to the edge during my follicular and ovulation phases—filling my mornings with HIIT workouts and runs out of fear of gaining weight.
🫣🫣

Even though my body craves dance and joy, I’ve been forcing myself to do these workouts because I think I “should”.

Why? Because old wounds run deep. Years of being bullied for my body, feeling like I didn’t fit society’s narrow beauty standards, and the pressure to “look the part” were still affecting me, even after years of healing work.

In my Psychology of Womxn class, we talked about how society has conditioned us to objectify our bodies, to invest in unattainable ideals rather than our true power.

I’ll let you in on a little secret 🤫

The patriarchy and capitalism thrive on keeping womxn focused on appearance, because the more we focus on what we look like, the less we can focus on what we can become.
🎤🎤🎤

But here’s the truth: Your power is there for the taking.

You reclaim it one choice at a time.

You reclaim it with your choice & voice, with how you move, and how you show up in this world.

For me, that means letting go of the “shoulds” and embracing movement that nourishes my soul and my body - not movement that shrinks me down.

It means sharing my music and art with the world.

And it means fully stepping into my vision for the Voice and Womb Project.
✨🌹

On November 1st, I’ll be sharing my heart and the creative work I’ve been pouring into this past year at my first immersive art show, featuring the debut of my music video Reclamation!

Alongside other incredible artists and healers, we’ll be honoring the feminine and reclaiming what’s ours.
💃🏽🔥

Join us if you’re ready to reclaim your power with softness, love, and compassion.

More details through the link in the comments 💫

09/30/2024

Join me for a nourishing 45-minute Trauma-Informed Dark Moon Soma Circle TONIGHT (Monday)✨

Together, we'll tap into the powerful energy of the dark moon, a time for rest, reflection, and deep healing. This circle is designed to help you regulate your nervous system, reconnect with your body, and awaken the feminine wisdom within. Through somatic practices and creative expression, you’ll process the lessons of the past cycle and align with your natural rhythms.

✨ What to bring:

- Something to write with 🖊️
- Something to write on 📒
- Any art supplies you love, like colored pencils or watercolors 🎨

Let this be your time to pause, breathe, and reconnect.

Click the below to register and add this sacred event to your calendar.

https://insig.ht/nstABSWUjNb?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=live_stream_share

I can't wait to see you there!
💜

Join me for a 45-minute Trauma-Informed Dark Moon Soma Circle, where we'll explore the powerful energy of the dark moon. Allow yourself to rest and regulate your nervous system as we reconnect with your body, creative expression, and the deep feminine wisdom within you. Through somatic healing pract...

09/16/2024

✨ Join me tonight for a LIVE Full Moon Meditation on Insight Timer! ✨

At 7:00 pm PST, we’ll gather to honor the energy of this powerful full moon, which also brings with it the transformative power of an eclipse. This moment holds space for endings and new beginnings. If you’re feeling more emotional, tired, or even ungrounded, you’re not alone. The energy surrounding eclipses can be intense, affecting not just us but those around us. That’s why this is the perfect time to slow down and offer yourself the care you need.

🌕 During this 45-minute Trauma-Informed Full Moon Soma Circle, we’ll dive deep into the energies at play. Through somatic healing practices and creative exploration, you’ll have the chance to reconnect with your body and uncover the thoughts and emotions being illuminated right now. This practice will guide you back to your natural rhythm, offering clarity and alignment with the potent energy of the full moon.

Bring something to write with, something to write on, and any art supplies you may feel drawn to use—whether that’s colored pencils, markers, or watercolors.

Click the link below to register and join me:

Join me for a 45-minute Trauma-Informed Full Moon Soma Circle, where we'll explore the powerful energy of the full moon and its impact on you. Together, we'll discover the thoughts, sensations, and emotions that are being illuminated during this time. Allow yourself to rest and regulate your nervous...

09/12/2024

The Fall Equinox is upon us, and with it comes a sacred invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect.
🌓🍂

As we close the chapter of an outwardly focused summer and move toward a time of balance, there’s a powerful opportunity to align with nature’s rhythms and return to ourselves. For me, syncing with these natural cycles has been deeply transformative on my healing journey—allowing me to slow down, be present, and connect more deeply with my body and inner wisdom.

On Sunday, September 22nd, I invite you to join me for Embodying Cyclical Wisdom: A Trauma-Informed Breathwork Journey for the Fall Equinox.

In this workshop, we’ll explore the energy of the equinox through somatic breathwork, reconnecting with your body, creativity, and the feminine wisdom within you in a trauma-informed space. This is an invitation to rest, regulate your nervous system, and tune in to the sensations and emotions ready to be brought into balance at this time.
✨

You’re encouraged to bring a journal, pen, and any art supplies like colored pencils or watercolors to deepen your experience.

This workshop isn’t about learning—it’s about remembering.

Together, we’ll reclaim the wisdom we’ve always carried and pave the way for future generations of women to live in alignment with their feminine power.

**Tiered pricing is available for accessibility—choose what feels right for you. And don’t hesitate to invite a friend to share in this experience**

Link in the comments to register!

09/03/2024

🌑✨ Join me tonight at 6:30 PM PST for a 45-minute Trauma-Informed New Moon Soma Circle on Insight Timer! ✨🌑

Together, we’ll dive into the powerful energy of the new moon and explore the thoughts, sensations, and emotions that come with it. This is your time to rest, regulate your nervous system, and reconnect with your body’s wisdom and creative expression.

Through somatic healing practices and creative activities, we’ll align with the natural rhythms of the new moon and gain clarity on the intentions we want to set moving forward.

Click the link below to register and add it to your calendar!

Join me for a 45-minute Trauma-Informed New Moon Soma Circle, where we'll explore the powerful energy of the full moon and its impact on you. Together, we'll explore the thoughts, sensations, and emotions that are arising during this time. Allow yourself to rest and regulate your nervous system as w...

07/12/2024

When you welcome all of your parts, even the ones you don't like, you create a biological sense of safety. In this place of safety, defense mechanisms soften, allowing you to relax into your body. You shift into the rest and digest part of your nervous system, fostering feelings of calm, curiosity, and openness. This is where healing truly happens.

Today, I invite you to join me in a somatic healing and exploration practice I call the Welcoming Practice on Insight Timer.

By Riva Jean-Paul