Mover Monday: Danielle Buerli

Hey Movers! Today's Mover Monday features freelance creative, Danielle Buerli. Danielle is first up in a fun new series we launched last week where we tapped some cool Angelenos to use our Make Moves card deck and create something, like seriously anything! Danielle is a warm soul who brings a sense of ease to any room she walks into and is a great friend to our team here at Moved LA. Wildly talented in many mediums, she has the ability to see untapped beauty in her surroundings and to draw it out. Read on to find out more about Danielle and what she created for us below!

Moved LA: How would you describe yourself?

Danielle: I am a creative/illustrator/designer making and exploring things, hopefully inspiring other to be creatively curious.

Moved LA: What’s your story?

Danielle: I am freelance creative working and design with brands and a small businesses to share their products and work. It ranges from branding, marketing design, or to just drawing food. I love being able to do all kinds of things in one day and working people that are experts in something completely different to what I do.

Moved LA: How did the Make Moves card deck inspire you?

Danielle: It was fun to see how the cards related to my own art practice like drawing. Some of cards were harder to translate to make something but it was interesting and a good challenge to try. I picked a card to create symmetrical shapes which I ended up just drawing a bunch of circles!

Moved LA: If you were a cartoon character, who would it be?

Danielle: I'd like to think I am a Lisa Simpson but I am probably more of Garfield eating carbs.

Moved LA: What are your top 3 favorite things to do when you need to relax and have fun?

Danielle: Drawing, always. I draw about my day like a journal or what I thinking of working on next. I have recently gotten into gardening and marbling paper. Marbling is great because it so intuitive you don't have to do much to get a really gratifying result.

Moved LA: Who or what sources do you follow to stay informed and inspired?

Danielle: I am always listening to podcasts while I work. I recently started Design Time and they have some really interesting interviews, where I have to pause and take notes!

Check out the awesome artwork Danielle created with our Make Moves deck when she pulled card #47 “Move your body in a symmetrical shape” and used that for her inspiration! p.s. you can follow along with Danielle on Instagram @Dbuerli or check out her website dbuerli.com

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Finding more moments of joy

Since we’re talking about letting happiness happen this month, we think it’s important to note that finding little moments of joy really helps to break the happiness seal. We absolutely LOOOOOOVE this TED talk from Ingrid Fetell Lee a.k.a @aestheticsofjoy, as she reminds us that “joy is about feeling good in the moment, right now.” It’s all these little nuggets that can add up to one big happy meal, amiright?!

We’re also really vibing on this idea - “And yet, underneath it all there's a part of each of us that finds joy in the same things. And though we're often told that these are just passing pleasures, in fact, they're really important, because they remind us of the shared humanity we find in our common experience of the physical world." Even though we may all live very different lives, there are still so many of the same things that bring us joy. With so much going on in the world, it's important to remember this simple fact, and that allowing ourselves to experience joy, increases our capacity to help others experience more moments of joy too.

“The drive toward joy is the drive toward life”, so let’s all help each other get in the car and GO!

P.s. Ingrid had some really wonderful things to say about our Make Moves deck when she tried them including, “Each card feels like an invitation to carve out space in your life for joy, and I am happily RSVP-ing, YES!”. Check out her full post over on her Instagram account @aestheticsofjoy

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pics from Ingrid Fetell Lee via @aestheticsofjoy IG

How to make happiness happen any time!

Yesterday was National Happiness Happens Day, so hopefully you were out having a Sunday Funday, letting happiness happen all over the place. We think it’s pretty cool that this day exists, but we also think it’s possible to make happiness happen any old time you’d like. As a matter of fact, that’s why we created our Make Moves card deck, so that you can easily and pretty quickly give yourself and whoever else you’re with a little moment of happiness.

If you still haven’t gotten yourself one of these magical little decks that allows you to hold the joy of movement right in your beautiful hand, you might be wondering, “what exactly is Make Moves, and how do I use them?” So we’re sharing more about the deck and just how to let happiness happen with it!

Make Moves is a deck of 66 playful cards designed to spark creativity and joy by moving that beautiful bod of yours. While that number may seem kinda rando, some studies show it can take 66 days to create a habit. So why not try to do at least one new simple movement a day until daily movement becomes part of your life? Try them in different combinations, with your friends and fam, first thing in the morning, before you tuck in at night, or as a pick-me-up during an afternoon slump. It’s up to you.

Either way all you have to do is pop on some tunes, pick a card, read it aloud, and use your own imagination and creativity to interpret the instructions. The most important thing is to move in a way that feels good to YOU! Feeling tired? Keep it slow. Have an injury or pain? Move a different part of your body. Want to stay seated? Do it. It doesn’t matter how you move, as long as you have fun with it! So grab a deck and Make Moves on your own, or make it a game with friends and watch happiness happen!

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Felt like a kid again!

When’s the last time you can say you really felt like a kid again? Well, we can honestly say that it was just last month at our Day Camp event co-hosted by Agapantha Jewelry! We made jewelry, colored, danced, ate popsicles, sipped on a summer cocktail with Hangar 17 wine, took fun photos, and just played!

Dani from Agapantha jewelry hosted a super fun jewelry making workshop, where we got to be all crafty and creative while making bracelets and key chains. We had free time to color and sip on wine spritzers with Hangar 17 and fresh lemon (the best part about an adult summer camp, obviously). And of course, we got a little silly and moved our bodies with a very interactive Moved LA workshop using our deck of cards, Make moves!

In addition to all this fun, we had a little pop-up marketplace with candles from Seeking Light, jewelry from Agapantha, Make Moves Cards from Moved LA, and we unveiled a very special collaboration with Moved LA + Agapantha - The Wiggle Box! There are so many goodies in the box to get your wiggle on including a deck of Make Moves cards, Moved LA notebook and bandana, Agapantha’s Wiggle earrings, hair tie, crystal, AND a curated “Get ur Wiggle on” playlist by DJ Hesta Prynn. As with our Day Camp event, a portion of proceeds go to The Seeking Light Foundation!

If you’re ready to get your wiggle on then grab a box HERE! And if you’re on the East Coast come join in on our next Day Camp event at Point of the Bluff Vineyards on July 31st!

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Feeling Boosted after our last workshop!

WOW! What a treat it was to groove, get silly, and just have fun all together in the same place at our Mood Booster in person workshop last month! We had such a great group of movers, as always and a beautiful Los Angeles day as our backdrop.

We had our whole outdoor set up with a great playlist that the group put together as everyone showed up. People were sipping on a little wine, and La Croix that we provided in celebration of our first in person workshop in a while. We has some old favorite exercises like “move like fireworks!” and we also introduced a new interactive game that involves spinning wheels to see which body part to move in what way - we’re calling it “wheel of movement!” oorrrr “wheel o’ moves”. The energy was truly spectacular, and it was clear that this is what we had all been craving!

It was so fun that we wished we could do it all over again the next day, but now we’re even more excited about our next in person event coming up this Sunday in LA! We’re hosting “Day Camp” with Agapantha Jewelry to bring back those summer camp vibes from when you were a kid! Looking forward to fun, freedom, and creativity all afternoon! If you’re in LA, and couldn’t make the last workshop, you won’t want to miss this one! Check out all the details, and snag a spot HERE!

One great way to boost your mood

May is mental health awareness month, an although we’ve come a long way, there is still work to be done in spreading awareness and releasing the stigma that has been long attached to mental health issues. These issues aren’t just about the struggles of a single person, but the struggles of communities, especially those facing systemic oppression. There are deep rooted problems, and awareness and knowledge are the first steps. Don’t we all want a world where everyone can pursue happiness and thrive far beyond just trying to survive on a day to day basis?

Starting with some practical ideas, we can seek out mental health organizations that we want to support, and we can do a deeper dive of our own mental health. There shouldn’t be any shame in reflection, and understanding of who we are, what our patterns are, and how we communicate. This is all such valuable information to have about ourselves so we can move through the world with maybe a little more emotional intelligence.

This can all be hard work, so at the end of the day, we do need to find activities that can help navigate our minds away from anxious thoughts, and provide some therapeutic relief. Taking time for ourselves to be silly, have fun, get creative, connect with other people, and just move out bodies can be so beneficial to our overall wellbeing! That’s why we’ve created a special Mood Booster workshop, and provided you with SO many opportunities to partake in it. If you’re short on time you can groove along to the 11 minute mini-version posted above. If you want to dive a little deeper, but you’re not ready to head out into the world, you can get access to the full workshop over at our on demand workshop library. But if you’re feeling ready to re-enter the world, you can join us at our IN PERSON version of the Mood Booster workshop next Tuesday the 25th in LA. Sign up here to get a boost!

Mover Monday: Janet Rodenhouse

Hey Movers! It’s Sarah here! As the Moved LA founder, I have been incredibly inspired by so many people, including all of the movers we’ve featured here, but today really takes the cake. This person has been an inspiration, role model, best friend, and partner in crime for literally as long as I can remember. Her strength, passion, creativity, and flair for life and fun have all contributed to who I am, and in essence, what Moved LA is all about! Even with some of her recent physical set backs in the form of late onset muscular dystrophy, she continues to push forward, and constantly celebrate the little bits of beauty and fun in everyday life. This week’s Monday mover is my mom, Janet Rodenhouse.

Moved LA: How would you describe yourself?

Janet: Describing myself proves more difficult than I would have thought! First and foremost, I value my life partner of almost 50 years and our children and grandchildren. I am thankful for all of our family and close friends and for a life full of extraordinary experiences! I believe I am kind, considerate of others and nonjudgmental. Perhaps I am a little too much of a perfectionist and probably thought of as having OCD tendencies by my family! I love to work at whatever it is that needs to be done and do appreciate some quiet time to myself occasionally. I am proud of my artistic accomplishments but still wish I had stuck with learning to play a musical instrument! Being a good, dependable friend is very important to me.

Moved LA: Who is your role model and why?

Janet: My mother, Mary Mikel, is my role model. At 93 years of age she still actively seeks to learn and better herself. She moved into a senior community a few years ago and she is loving making new friends and trying new activities. The thing I admire most about her is her talent with writing. She will say that she loves “words” and she appreciates the power they have in helping her concisely put her thoughts and memories down on paper. Over the years she has written poems and they are always clever, moving and inspirational. I can honestly say that my mother is one of my best friends!

Moved LA: What are your top 3 favorite things to do when you need to relax or have fun?

Janet: Moving to music that I feel in my soul is absolutely my favorite way to unwind and recharge my self!! Ever since I was a young girl , I have been unable to sit still when almost any type of music is playing. I definitely always dance like no one is watching!! A number of years ago I discovered the joy of gardening! I could spend every hour of daylight on a beautiful day working in a garden! I find it extremely relaxing ...even pulling weeds! Standing back to take in the beauty of the result takes my breath away! I believe it is a form of artistic expression in which the plants and flowers are always changing and interacting in different ways! Since it’s not always a beautiful weather day, I also enjoy arts and crafts projects. I dabble mostly in mosaics and fused glass but can lose myself in almost any creative project that captures my attention to detail.

Moved LA: What inspires or motivates you?

Janet: Growing up in a large family certainly helped shape the person I am. I find that being productive is an absolute must for me daily. I am motivated to complete what I start and always strive to be in control of my environment rather than the other way around!!

The beauty of nature inspires me. I have had the good fortune of living many years on Keuka Lake in upstate NY. For me it is one of the most beautiful places on earth and the most amazing place to come home to! Thankfully travel has played a big part in my life as well and the people and places I encountered have enriched me in many ways.

Moved LA: How does taking a Moved LA workshop make you feel?

Janet: While I love to dance I did not have the opportunity growing up to have formal training. Now at age 65, I am happy to have a chance to participate in Moved LA workshops! Prior to the restrictions of the past year, I participated in person! Being in a large open space with other participants and interacting with creative movement was the best!! Talk about laughter!! The great thing is that even though we were were all different in many ways, we could all participate in a way that was comfortable and meaningful for ourselves. No judgements just positive energy! I inherited a form of late onset muscular dystrophy and it progressively affects my balance and physical abilities. Moved LA gives me a way to still move to music that is physically enjoyable but also mentally and emotionally supportive. Free to be me!!!

Moved LA: If you could give everyone one piece of advice about living with more intention, what would it be?

Janet: My advice to live more intentionally is to not give in to your insecurities. So many times in my 65 years I would hold myself back from doing something. The times I would overcome my insecurities and go for it almost always were so worth it!!

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Ready to escape the monotony?!

Yeah. Definitely. The past year has left a lot of us really exhausted, and just straight up drained mentally and emotionally. For anyone who thrives on movement, whatever form that is, be it mental or physical, or both, the stagnation is real. For real. Real. We can feel it in our shoulders, backs, hips, and hearts. As we start to slow crawl towards the light, it also feels a little strange. How do we move into this next phase? Well, we just gotta keep moving, however we can.

If we’re not quite ready to totally dive in head first, then small steps help. It’s definitely ok to be totally exhausted, but also wish you could be “getting out and doing more”! What are some things that you can do to still feel alive, while staying true to the way you’re feeling, and what you’re really ready for? Small changes in your daily routine to keep things interesting is a good start. Creating little manageable challenges for yourself, and obviously, time for play are good too! DUH.

Treat yourself to small moments and experiences that help to heal, and prepare for whatever this next phase of life looks like. We’re all about the little moments of joy. Heck, that’s why Moved LA exists! So maybe you’re not feeling the virtual stuff right now, and not ready to head to in person movement classes. Try using our Make Moves deck at home, or in the park, or where ever you feel comfortable. Maybe you’re in need of something different in your virtual workout, but not feeling the interaction with people. Jump into one of our on demand workshops that have all different themes for whatever mood you’re in. Or maybe you NEED that interaction, even if it’s virtual. Then join in on our April live workshop, Spring Fling, on Saturday to create your small moment of joy that breaks up the mundane. Whatever you need, we’re here for you!

Feel the moves instead of "going through the motions"

Is it just me, or does the groundhog’s day feeling of quarantine got you just “going through the motions” lately? I feel like I’ve been lacking in a real genuine connection with not only the things I’m doing, and the people I miss being around in person, but also myself. It’s like we’re all collectively trying to just get through each day so that we can get to the other side of it all. But, that’s not how I want to LIVE! So, I’m looking at ways to feel more connected and intentional on a daily basis…in other words, “FEEL THE MOVES”! Taking a little time for a lot of presence is the best way out of going through the motions and into feelin’ the damn moves.

A really good way to approach this is through some self love rituals, because once you’re able to regain that connection with yourself, you’ll have an easier time sparking the connection with allllllllll the other things too. Practicing self love looks different on everyone, but a great place to start is with your body! It’s the most tangible point of entry, and helps get us nice and grounded. If you’re struggling with the best way to practice your self love, and need a little guidance or accountability, jump into our Self Love Fest live workshop this month! We’ll be giving you all the tools you need to get connected and grounded in your body again so you can start to hop out of the hamster wheel and into feeling again.

Even if it sounds silly, self love and connection with ourselves is REALLY flippin’ important, so make the time for it, and have fun with it! Pop over to the Move with us page to get all the info and sign up for the Self Love Fest live workshop on February 20th!

We made so many MOVES!

Our Make Moves Live workshop this past Saturday was so damn awesome. Thank you to everyone who jumped on to celebrate and try out our new deck, Make Moves! It was super fun having everyone interactively pick cards throughout the workshop, and boogie down together. We even had Meg Peterson, the artist behind the groovy artwork on the cards join in and give us a little inside scoop on her process for creating the artwork, which was very cool to hear!

We started off with a quick warm up to get into our bodies and then, everyone was asked to enter a number between 1 and 66 into the chat. That’s how we chose the cards for the flow of the workshop! Sarah let everyone look at the artwork while reading the back of the card, and added in a bit more commentary and cues as we all moved.

Movers threw out the numbers 22, 14, 50, 5, 12, 30, 66, 43, and 6. If you have a deck at home feel free to pull those cards yourself to see what our experience was like. OR, you can catch this live workshop along with other recorded workshops from the on demand section of our “move with us” page! You can also grab your very own deck of Make Moves, or snag some for a friend from our “goods” page! Either way, keep making moves…

Mover Monday: Meg Peterson

Holy crap are we excited about today’s Mover Monday post! Not only is this gal a great friend, rad creative, and community builder, but she is also the artist behind our new Make Moves! deck of creative movement cards. Sarah and Meg met at the Unique Camp in 2016 as bunk mates, and after lots of dancin’, chattin’, and hangin’ sans cell phones, it was an instant friendship. So it is a real dream come true to have collaborated with Meg, who is just so damn talented. Find out more about this babe, and snag yourself a deck of Make Moves!

Moved LA: How would you describe yourself?

Meg: I’m a creative person that loves color, community, and collaboration.

Moved LA: What’s your story?

Meg: It's a bit of a wandering path! I’ve worked in art restoration, project management, and marketing for creative companies, while also creating my own painting and illustration work. In my studio practice I’m drawn to intersections between art, science, and the natural world. Making art has always been my mode for exploring and understanding ideas.

Moved LA: Who is your role model and why?

Meg: There are so many, and they are definitely all over the map. Top of the list is Carl Sagan. We are all made from star stuff! LITERALLY. I’ll never get over the feeling that washed over me while sitting in the back of a darkened science classroom watching Cosmos. I’ll always carry that feeling in my work.

I also look up to a real grab bag of artists and writers— Ross Gay, Laura Owens, Kerry James Marshall, Fritz Haeg, George Saunders, and Rebecca Solnit all come to mind. I love them for their knack to translate ideas with such beauty, for their activism, and for their humor.

Moved LA: If you could give *everyone* one piece of advice about living with more intention, what would it be?

Meg: Cultivate your curiosity and follow where it leads.

Moved LA: What are your top three favorite things to do when you need to relax and have fun?

Meg: Working in my garden. Podcast walks through the neighb. Dance party time-outs in the middle of the day.

Moved LA: Who or what sources do you follow to stay informed and inspired?

Meg: Most mornings start with a hot bev and a scroll through the NYTimes app. I also listen to a lot of NPR and podcasts. A few favorite shows are Ologies, You’re Wrong About, Politically Re-Active, and Radiolab.

Moved LA: What is up next for you?

Meg: Lots of new art in the works! I’m working on a collection of ceramics that I’m excited to share in the coming year, after a break from that medium during the pandemic. I’m also thrilled that the Make Moves deck is out in the world and look forward to seeing how movers interact with it!

Connect and follow along with Meg! @megcora / megcora.com

p.s. If you want to get a feel for how the cards work, have a bit of fun, and connect with community through movement, join in on our Make Moves! Live workshop this coming Saturday!

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How to take a break from "adulting"

Got five minutes? Great! That’s all you need to take a quick break from your adult responsibilities, and embrace that playful inner child that is definitely hanging out in there some where! It might feel a little strange at first, but dedicating time to your playful silly side can do wonders for your wellbeing and general outlook on life! We’ve come up with a really spectacular tool to help you do the damn thing!

As you may have noticed, we launched our deck of creative movement cards, Make Moves! last month, and they are the perfect tool to let go of “adulting,” shift your perspective, and create joyful movements that help you tap into your true self! You can use any combination of these cards by yourself or with friends to get your groove on and laugh until you cry. The deck can be used to boost your mood, release stress, and certainly rediscover your inner child.

Some of our favorite exercises in the deck are, Shimmy the top half of your body while you skip with the bottom half of your body, Move your body like popcorn, and Slither your body while traveling in the shape of a zig zag. There are so many imaginative ways to get out of your same old day to day, 66 to be exact, and if you’re short on time, you can just pull one card for a quick escape of the mundane.

To help get you introduced to the deck and to show you just how fun these cards can be, we’re hosting a LIVE workshop at the end of the month where Sarah will be pulling cards from the deck at random for an interactive and totally unique workshop experience! Who knows what will happen, so get more info and sign up to join in on the fun HERE!

Too much fun at our Laughs + Moves workshop!

Our last workshop of 2020 was a real giggle-fest. Seriously though! We partnered with Alka Bromiley who is trained in Laughter Therapy. She had us chuckling and feeling like we were all together even though the workshop was virtual.

Alka started us off with some great perspectives to think about and stimulating breathing and of course laughter exercises! We all couldn’t help but allow the positive giggly vibes to infiltrate our bodies and spread out to each other even through the interwebs.

What a fun and playful way to end the year, and such a groovy group that came together just looking for a little connection and lightness to finish out 2020. If you’re wishing you could have made it, you’re in real luck because a recorded version of this workshop is up on our on demand library so you can pop it on whenever you need a good chuckle and boogie.

MOVER MONDAY: KIMBERLY TAYLOR-PESTELL

Our last Mover feature of 2020 is a genuine, creative, passionate, and incredibly humble illustrator who creates meaningful and uplifting pieces for us all to enjoy. She is so supportive of all art forms and is incredibly thoughtful in the way she creates and experiences life. She is definitely a mover in so many ways and we are really inspired by her outlook and perspective. Learn more about this creative entrepreneur, Kimberly 國子 Taylor-Pestell!

Moved LA: How would you describe yourself?

Kimberly: I'm the hapa artist behind Lacelit, an illustrated greetings and whimsies company based out of my home studio in Monrovia, CA, and host guided retreats and workshops online for fellow creatives of all mediums. All that I design, make, and write seek to foster meaningful human connection, creative self-expression, and thoughtful storytelling for those who long to uplift others while being a little kinder to themselves.

Moved LA: What’s your story?

Kimberly: As a half-Japanese and half-white American hapa growing up in Los Angeles with two diverse socializations, I've long loved and resonated with different aspects of each culture. I learned early on that there are always several ways to see the same thing, and it's through the decisions I make and actions I take that I truly choose who and how to be. It’s in the culmination of both cultures that I illustrate, design, paint, and write.

Growing up, my life centered around dance and choreography, music, theatre, and gymnastics, so it wasn't until a psychology degree had come and gone that I began to explore visual art through lace-like geometrics, freehand watercolor patterns, and hand lettering. A few years later, an opportunity arose to hand-letter and illustrate a book of poetry for a client, and I found a home in illustration. My interests continue to grow and shift in new directions as I follow my creative curiosities, and my most recent adventure has been in hosting virtual guided creative retreats and workshops online for creatives of all mediums during the pandemic.

Moved LA: If you could give *everyone* one piece of advice about living with more intention, what would it be?

Kimberly: For me, living with intention is reflected in a slow, lasting growth. It’s about choosing to dwell in a learning posture always, to engage in this world with kindness and openness and compassion, and to tend to my wellness and well-being with gentleness, yet with honesty, too. I believe that taking the time to both understand and make a conscious decision each day to live out the 'why' behind what we make and stand for and prioritize is at the crux of it all.

Moved LA: What are your top three favorite things to do when you need to relax and have fun?

Kimberly: I love delving into dystopian and fantasy novels, knitting and being able to see tangible progress with each new stitch, and playing all sorts of entertaining board games with family and friends.

Moved LA: Who or what sources do you follow to stay informed and inspired?

Kimberly: LA's KPCC NPR, a variety of podcasts, and my social justice-centered sister, Brittany, are my go-tos for staying informed and engaging in meaningful conversations amidst all that's going on in this world we share together.

I'm constantly inspired by the vast creative community on Instagram and have connected with so many brilliant artists all over the world whose perspectives, creative expressions, and innovations never cease to amaze and inspire me again and again.

Moved LA: What is up next for you and your company?

Kimberly: There's something so reinvigorating about the start of a new year and I'm excited for the continuation my virtual Guided Creative Retreat series with new themes each month, to host a mini-series of virtual Creative Business Chats covering a variety of topics relevant to artists and small business owners, and the launch my Patreon community that’s all about holding an affirming, communal space to spur on fellow creatives of all mediums and facilitate opportunities to follow our artistic curiosities, tap into the imagination to spark new ideas, and explore creatively without pressure.

Moved LA: Where can people find you online?

Home // lacelit.com

Shop // lacelit.etsy.com

Creative retreats & workshops // lacelit.com/workshops

Monthly newsletter // lacelit.com/goodies

Instagram // @lacelit

Pinterest // /lacelit

Facebook // /lacelit

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Digital Studio LIVE Workshops!

I just had to jump on here quickly and give you a recap of our last live interactive virtual workshop, which also happened to be the first live workshop from our new platform, and our digital studio launch party! And it definitely felt like a party, but not one of those awkward, not sure what to say, or who should be talking kind of parties. It was the kind of party where you are having so much fun you don’t even think to check your phone.

We had a really stellar group of movers pop on, and we wiggled away with exercises that had moments of interactive fun that led us to shake in the shape of a star, and moments of introspection when we rooted our feet into the earth and moved our arms like branches of a tree in the wind.

These workshops really are the perfect mix for a time like now, when our energy might be low, and you need something that can perk you up a bit without too much intensity. With all the live virtual workshops, it’s up to you to decide what you need to get out of it - which is different for all of us right now. Either way, a good boost in our mood every now and again is really important, so we have another opportunity for you to not only move, but also laugh while not feeling alone! Check out our upcoming Laughs and Moves Live Stream workshop, which is a collaboration with Mover Monday alum Alka Bromiley, this Saturday! Get more details and sign up from the “Move with us” page!

5 ways to laugh more today

This crazy crappy year is almost over, and even though it's hard to have much motivation to make the most of it, there are some simple things we can do to make the days a little less mundane. I miss having a really good hearty chuckle. The kind where you can barely breath, your eyes are watering, and your face hurts. So we've put together some things to help us laugh a bit more through all of this, in case you're craving it too...

1. Make laughing part of your daily routine, like brushing your teeth. Maybe start by reading a joke a day!  

2. Find a favorite comedian(s), and follow them on Twitter, watch all of their stand up specials, or read one of their books if they have one. 

3. Try something new, and don't take yourself too seriously with it. Learn to laugh at yourself while you move through the process. 

4. Start a scrap book or Pinterest board of funny memes online, inside jokes you have with friends that make you smile, and revisit it when you need a chuckle.

5. Get some laughter therapy from Alka Bromiley and movement that makes you giggle at our upcoming Laughs & Moves workshop! Check the details HERE 

MOVER MONDAY: GENNA BLOOMBECKER

Happy Monday! Today we have such a multi-talented, creative, and unique mover! Genna is a beautiful dancer, creator, and soul who is making space for healing and connection through her current and upcoming projects that include a podcast, and a website where you can shop for her lovely hand-made pieces, among other things. Learn more about this special and gifted spirit!

Moved LA: How would you describe yourself?

Genna: I am a multidisciplinary artist inspired by color, movement, collective care and regenerative perspectives. I aim to bring positivity to the world through my photography, wearable art, movement, modeling, and deep conversations.

Moved LA: What is your story?

Genna: I was very lucky to grow up in Santa Cruz, California, surrounded by a family that valued the arts and a community in which queerness was the norm. I started taking dance lessons at the age of 2 ½, and I didn’t stop until I was 22. By then, I really needed a break. Dance was my identity, my community, my passion and my safe space. But it was also the place to which I escaped, avoided processing the deep traumas of my life, and followed directions so I didn’t have to question my own desires. I always loved excelling in both dance and school, so when it came time for college I decided to pursue a dance education at an institution in which I could also explore my academic passions.

I graduated from Loyola Marymount University in 2015 with degrees in Dance and Environmental Studies. I had an amazing college experience, filled with tons of classes and clubs, new discoveries and meaningful relationships with my classmates and professors. I had the great honor of being the first Dance major in the history of the university to be named Valedictorian. Giving my valedictorian speech to a crowd of 20,000 people (and more watching online) was SO. MUCH. FUN. It was the first time that I had ever performed something that I created and truly believed in, and it happened to be a speech instead of a dance performance!

Following graduation, I attended pre-professional training programs at the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance and Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company in Northern Israel. I had been to Kibbutz Ga’aton the previous summer for a 10-day intensive, and had such a profound experience that it served as the backdrop of a research project about dancing in a time of war. I returned in 2015 with the hopes of spending five months engaged in a similarly intense, enlightening, and transformational environment. I had dreams of dancing in a company, and I had loose plans to audition around Europe before returning home from the program. However, as time went on I felt more disconnected from dance and fell deeper into depression.

I moved back to California and gave myself time to process the events that have defined my life. When I was 13, my father was killed by his legal client. There was a trial, local news stories, and an affair that further complicated an already overwhelming situation. After so many years of achieving and pursuing in order to avoid feeling and grieving, at 22 I finally allowed the mix of emotions to live within my body. I am still on this path, and I am very grateful for my inner knowing as I traverse these traumatic waters. 

Currently, I work part-time at a couple of beautiful shops in Highland Park, and I am working on launching my personal brand within the next year. I have a deep, instinctual need to speak honestly about my experience so that others may feel comfortable opening up themselves, and I’m very excited to step into this in my upcoming podcast. At such a tumultuous time in our country and world, I am dedicated to making space for healing and connection.

Moved LA: If you were a cartoon character who would you be?

Genna: I would be Bubbles from the Powerpuff Girls! 

Moved LA: Who is your role model, and why?

Genna: My mom, Linda BloomBecker, and my aunt, Rhoda Bloom-Erath, are my two biggest role models. Since birth, they have both supported, inspired, and amazed me in their own ways. They’re also a very entertaining duo, beloved by my friends and cherished by our jewish community. My mom is a marriage and family therapist with 40 years of experience, a fiercely strong woman who cares deeply for all with whom she interacts. My aunt is a multimedia artist with a lifetime of amazing experiences and a very comedic personality. Being raised by these two women has impacted me in a multitude of ways. 

First, I strongly believe that if everyone had access to destigmatized, intentional therapy practices, we would have a very different world. Being a therapist’s daughter is quite a unique experience, and I am so grateful for the acceptance and support that I got to see my mom give to her clients everyday. Additionally, growing up with an aunt that teaches art and an uncle who is a fashion photographer meant that art was always around me. I spent most of my time in the dance studio, but throughout my childhood I was also taking art classes, playing piano, modeling for my uncle, and taking family trips to museums and plays in San Francisco and New York. I was always encouraged to live in my truth, which by default involved a multifaceted creativity. As I gain more awareness of my identity and artistry, I am struck by overwhelming gratitude for the depth, creativity, and beauty of those who raised me. 

Moved LA: If you could give *everyone* one piece of advice about living with more intention, what would it be?

Genna: Look up! Watch some clouds. Connect to the world around you when the one inside your head (or your phone) starts to get too loud. 

Moved LA: If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Why?

Genna: To be able to heal all those suffering in the world. I am thrilled to be on the path to finding my ways of healing those around me, and I wish for nothing more than to heal as many beings and ecosystems as I can while I am on this planet. 

Moved LA: What are your top three favorite things to do when you need to relax and have fun?

Genna: I am a TV baby alllll the way, so I’m always watching at least a few shows. Right now I’m rotating between Catfish, Dancing with the Stars, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Down to Earth, and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (for the 4th time!!). Another key aspect of my relaxation style is weed! I so appreciate the medicine of cannabis and have noticed profound changes in my ability to tap into my body and experience joy by engaging with this plant. Third, nothing can beat a dance party to some really good music. I love making playlists that evoke different emotions and bring me back to different times in my life. 

Moved LA: Who or what sources do you follow to stay informed and inspired?

Genna: I love reading Virginia Rosenberg’s astrological horoscopes- connecting to the stars and astrology helps me put our current reality into perspective. I’ve been enjoying Yoga with Minelli’s online classes, and Sylvan Esso’s new album and videos are very inspiring to me. I am always seeking new avenues of awareness from healers, movers, and thinkers like all of you! 

Moved LA: What is up next for you?

Genna: I am working on two very exciting projects right now. First, I am starting the Intuitive Movement Podcast with a dear friend who I have known for over half my life. It will be centered around our experiences growing up in the dance world and our current journeys of seeking more connectivity in our bodies. I have so much to share about the path I took to get to where I am, the lessons I’ve learned through it all, and my ever-evolving experiences as a moving being in this world. My cohost and I are very eager to start conversations that people can relate to, and to build a community of people who identify with our stories. Our pilot is available now on Spotify, Anchor, Google Podcasts, Breaker and Radiopublic!!

Secondly, I will be launching my new brand and website, clumsy world. It’ll be a place to shop my creations/curations, find my playlists, learn about my process, and stay informed on my future projects. I’m working hard to combine all my passions and desires into an offering that brings joy to this world and serves as a place of connection. I can’t wait to share it with you all :)

Moved LA: Where can people find you online?

Genna: My main instagram is @genna._.bb! I also have a film photography account (@photo.gennaration), a shop page (@shop._.genna._.bb), and a page for my podcast (@intuitivemovementpodcast). Follow along and join me for this wild ride!

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Not your Grandma's zoom party, but she can join!

When everything went down and we had to quickly switch to all this virtual, it was a weird transition. It’s still kinda weird. BUT we’ve really made the most of it and realized that even though we may be sick of our zoom work calls, we are NEVER sick of a zoom dance party. The amazing up side is that friends from all over the world have been able to join in on the fun, and feel more connected through a virtual setting that isn’t just strictly business. We’ve been told our virtual workshops are a refreshing shift from your regular work or even happy hour zoom calls. It brings out the fun and amps up the group energy even through a screen!

We’ve had so many successful virtual workshops this year, that have felt like such a ray of sunshine having people say things like “this is the most I’ve moved all quarantine”, or “this is the best zoom call I’ve ever been on!” We’ve hosted our regular monthly pop up workshops that are open to the public, as well as virtual team bonding with companies like Point of the Bluff and Netflix, and even one at the virtual conference, Wellness 360. Every workshop feels completely different from the last as new people and varying exercises change up the energy.

As always with our workshops, we encourage you to listen to your body in this setting and allow yourself to still pick up on the energy of the group. You can move in a space as small and limiting as a hallway or your desk, or as big as your living room or backyard. Since there are no wrong answers for how you choose to create your movement, whatever limitations you may have around you right now will not stand in the way of an energizing, playful, and fun experience that will leave you with a giant smile and a good sweat if you need it.

You can keep up with all of our virtual workshop happenings via our new digital platform AND app launching in just 3 days! From this new set up you will be able to sign up for monthly live stream workshops, access to our on demand video library, book private workshops for your company team building, or holiday, birthday, or just because parties, purchase some very awesome products, and more! We’ll also have a few holiday specials lined up for you to go ahead and give your friends, family, and coworkers the most fun gift they’ve ever received!

So don’t be scared of the word “virtual” or “zoom”, because as always with Moved LA, we’re bringing something new, different, and very special your way. You can start out by joining us for this month’s live stream workshop which also just so happens to be our launch party for the new digital studio! Sign up HERE

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MOVER MONDAY: KRISTEN CARNEY

Happy Monday! Today’s mover will not only give you a good chuckle, but also remind you to think for yourself. An advocate for keeping things real AF, this lady uses her comedic skills to relay her message, and connect with people in an authentic way. We can TOTALLY get down with this mindset, and feel like there’s nothing better than staying true to yourself, and laughing right out loud. Get to know this hilariously awesome lady, Kristen Carney!

Moved LA: How would you describe yourself?

Kristen: I'm a comedian, podcaster, banter coach and an advocate of keeping things real AF.

Moved LA: What’s your story?

Kristen: I've always had an itch to share truths, to be as authentic as possible, to march to the beat of my own drum and to inspire others to do the same. Using humor became the conduit in which I could express those things. As a child, I wasn't what you'd call "easy on the eyes" so I discovered at a very young age that if I shared my own insecurities or inner thoughts in a funny way, people would look past my dorky exterior and connect with me on another level. Those moments of connection and authenticity were my "highs" and like an addict, I'm always looking for that next opportunity to be real.

Moved LA: Who is your role model and why?

Kristen: Larry David. You don't get any realer than LD.

Moved LA: If you were a cartoon character, who would you be?

Kristen: Bugs Bunny. There's no close second.

Moved LA: If you could give everyone one piece of advice about living with more intention, what would it be?

Kristen: Dig past your first layer of thought and get real with yourself and ask yourself, what do you REALLY think or how do you REALLY feel about something? Don't let society turn down the volume on your inner voice. TURN IT UP.

Moved LA: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Kristen: To make people immune to peer pressure. Peer pressure makes people do a lot of dangerous things, whether it's dangerous to themselves or dangerous to society. My soul feels at peace when people act from a place of inner knowing, not of outer unknowing.

Moved LA: Who or what sources do you follow to stay informed and inspired?

Kristen: I go wherever groupthink is not and to whichever sources welcome diversity of thought (which is very hard to find these days). So I seek out journalists that have nuanced points of view and deal in fact, not ideology. It's an arduous process to find them, but they're out there.

You can keep up with Kristen’s realness and get a few laughs in by following her on Instagram and Twitter, listening to her podcast, following along with her Patreon, and creepin’ on her website

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5 Ways to shift your energy during stressful times

Yowza. What a year it’s been….can hardly believe it’s almost over. While we are all on the edge of our seats, feeling some level of anxiety between everything that is going on, there are simple things we can do to manage the stress and try to shift our energy. Here are some ideas below, and as usual, the last one is our favorite…

1. Change up something in your routine and try something or do something new. Even if it’s just for five minutes.

2. Connect with people who are important to you. But like really truly genuinely connect with them, not just a message on social media, or a text.

3. Take a little time to reflect. On your experiences, your feelings, or anything else that pops up for you.

4. As always, we’ll say it again, a million times, MOVE your body! In whatever way is most energizing and/or grounding to you in the moment.

5. OR you could try doing all of the above at the same time!? Yeah, it’s possible with the launch of our digital studio AND our celebratory interactive live stream workshop on November 21st. The digital studio will be a place for not only our live streaming schedule, but also on demand video library, as well as ways to book your own private workshop with co-workers or friends. SNAG A SPOT TO THE LIVE STREAMING WORKSHOP!

P.s. As this is a brand spanking new set up, we're still working out the kinks, so bear with us, and let us know if you have any problems. For now you can ONLY sign up for the Live streaming workshop, but the rest is coming soon! Thanks!