West Coast Notes

Self-Myofascial Release Articles

Reflections and science-informed guidance on forest therapy, somatic stress recovery, nature connection, creativity, digital wellbeing, and practices that help people come back to their senses.

Ready to Listen to your Intuition?
Wendy FigoneMindfulness & Presence

Ready to Listen to your Intuition?

When you're ready to rise in consciousness, the right teachers and tools appear. This truth is beautifully exemplified through my work in Forest Therapy and Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) , combined with the wisdom of influential figures like Bill Donius and Carolyn Myss . I believe engaging in practices like Forest Therapy and SMR opens the door to deeper self-awareness, helping you access your inner wisdom and unlock new pathways for growth. Self-Myofascial Release is particularly powerful as it’s a practice of letting go, clearing physical and emotional tension to create space for intuition to arise. Their teachings offer powerful insights into intuition, creativity, and personal transformation—tools that resonate deeply with the work I do, providing a foundation for developing a reliable inner guide: your intuition.
Why Sitting (Exacerbated by Poor Posture) is the New Smoking
Wendy FigoneSomatic Stress Recovery

Why Sitting (Exacerbated by Poor Posture) is the New Smoking

In recent years, prolonged sitting has been likened to smoking in terms of its negative impact on health. While smoking directly affects the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, excessive sitting—especially when combined with poor posture—can silently degrade the body’s structural integrity, mobility, and overall well-being. A key player in this process is fascia, the often-overlooked connective tissue that plays a vital role in movement, hydration, and cellular communication.
"Breaking Free: Liberating Your Body from Emotional Holding Patterns"
Wendy FigoneSomatic Stress Recovery

"Breaking Free: Liberating Your Body from Emotional Holding Patterns"

When we experience pressure, stress, or emotional tension, our bodies often develop holding patterns that are unconscious physical responses to these feelings. These patterns can show up in various areas of the body, and over time, they can lead to discomfort, pain, or limited range of motion. Below are some common areas where we tend to clench or hold tension under pressure:
Wendy FigoneRetreats & Events

Why Somatic Ecotherapy Retreats Are TransformativeSlowing Down to Become the Best Version of Yourself

In our fast-paced lives, slowing down can feel impossible—but it’s essential for true transformation. Somatic Ecotherapy retreats provide a sanctuary where you can pause, reflect, and reconnect with your inner well of contentment. Immersed in nature’s unhurried pace, you’ll rediscover stillness, cultivate habits that foster self-awareness, and experience profound healing.
Hitting Mung and Attention Restoration
Wendy FigoneDigital Wellbeing

Hitting Mung and Attention Restoration

Overworking not only causes pain within our bodies (myofascial restrictions/fascial dehydration) but also impacts our ability to think with clarity and creativity. Get outside and immerse yourself in nature's beauty daily. You will experience more clarity and increased creativity, therefore becoming more productive as you feel better all over! For more information, check out this article.