Hi, I’m Rich Sims. I teach adults, children, and teens empowering approaches and tools to improve their emotional and physical well-being. This helps them achieve the power to work through life’s stressful, often problematic, challenges.
Currently, my practice is virtual which allows me to expand my reach to everyone in the states as well as globally.
Some of my specialties include working with the fear, stress, anxiety, resilience, depression and trauma that can affect relationships and performance personally, professionally and academically.
I teach by using the connection between our minds, bodies, emotions and distress responses. Some of the methods I use in every tailored lesson include Somatic Education, Body Awareness, Breathing, Meditation, Embodiment, Mindfulness, and the principles of the non-violent art of Aikido. Through this Somatically-based toolbox, a personal approach is developed for each individual or group I help.
With practice, you will learn BodyMind tools and approaches to help you become more centered, with a calm, caring strength. From here, you will achieve a powerful place to stand and, more importantly, learn to move forward from, ready to face and be present for each moment life brings. Simply put, “Empowered.”
My tools fit into the categories of …
Mindfulness
(Trauma Sensitive & Wider Scope Approaches)
The skillful use of attention to become non-judgmentally and curiously aware of your thoughts and feelings, in the present moment, to help work with and expand your physical and mental well-being.
Somatic Education & Embodiment
An approach that studies the body as a physical and biological machine … a machine where the mind and body are one. Through this BodyMind approach, you can work with and increase your physical and mental stamina, resilience and well-being.
The body has more to say then most realize. Learn the language of the body to increase your physical and mental well-being.
Then Some
The truth is, life is hard and not always fair. It can also be open, caring and loving. Because it is important to have fun along the way, especially with things that help, I always mix in a good balance of play and open, accepting joy.
The term comes from the Ancient Greek “Soma,” meaning the body. My “Somatic” work involves awareness, movement and bodywork. It emphasizes the perception, acknowledgement and understanding of how our physical sensations and experiences can be used to help shape who we are and how we react to the world.
You can learn a lot just by watching.
-Yogi Berra
I call this a BodyMind approach that I always teach in a trauma sensitive way. It is informed through a variety of sources and approaches including:
Being in Movement® mindbody education (BIM) was created by Paul Linden, PhD at the Columbus Center for Movement Studies, with whom I still study, correspond, and practice. This practical empowering Somatic approach focuses on helping people work with their body’s distress responses which often trap them in their own thoughts and actions. Paul has used and taught this system around the globe in countless personal growth, trauma, conflict resolution and peacemaking efforts.
Mindfulness approaches. Many mindfulness practices from my favorite teachers and traditions including MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction), created by Jon Kabat-Zin at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. I also incorporate Mindful meditative and pain relief practices from many of my other favorite practitioners.
Breathing and Breathwork. From an assortment of martial arts, mindful and movement traditions including the teachings of Koichi Tohei, one of a handful of people to attain the 10th Dan or Black Belt level in Aikido.
Principles from the non-violent martial art of Aikido. The Art of Peace. A movement art associated with Somatic Healing and Educational Practices. An art some describe as a moving meditation in the midst of chaos. I currently hold the rank of Nidan (2nd Dan or Degree Black Belt), awarded by Andrew Sato, Nanadan (7th Dan) Aikikai Shihan, Founder and Chief Instructor of the Aikido World Alliance, as recognized by the Aikikai in Japan. Some of the principles I teach include the cultivation of purposeful movement and being centered in the present. In other words, the ability to remain calm and empowered in the midst of distress.
Your body is talking. Are you listening?
Leave those heavy, frozen, feelings of powerlessness behind.
[email protected]
RichardESims.com
Somatic and Mindfulness Educator
Instructor in the Art of Aikido
Somatic Specialist in stress, fear, anxiety and trauma
312 399 8915
Evanston and Chicago
Leave a Reply