Episode 26

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Published on:

2nd Dec 2024

There Is Not A Normal Human: Embodied Spirituality and Nuerodiversity with Kay Louise Aldred

What is Embodied Spirituality? What is Somatic Shamanism? What is Neurodiversity? 

Today we are #LIVEintheHIVE with author, teacher, and embodiment and spirituality orientated theologian Kay Louise Aldred for a compelling + educational conversation about spiritual needs, safe spaces, understanding the nervous system, embodied ways of knowing, and neurodiversity. 

If you, like me, are somewhat new to the term neurodiversity, and its relationship to spirituality , this is the conversation for YOU!

 Kay is a multi-passionate educator, prolific author, and leader committed to questioning and challenging the absence of the body and earth in education, mental health and religion/spirituality. 

In this powerful conversation we touch on: 

* Her book, Somatic Shamanism: Your Fleshy Knowing as The Tree of Life, and she unpacks her understanding of shamanism and its potential appropriation.

* Kays ’ spiritual journey from childhood, through anglican theology and having an academic (logos) understanding of spirituality, the discovery of liberation theology, into her embodied (eros) spirituality.

* Her work with the nervous system which moved her into her understanding of her neurotype. 

* Spirituality > Nervous System > Neurodiversity 

* Understanding neurodiversity in profiles of strengths rather than on a spectrum. 

* What makes a safe space? What is an intentional space? 

* Kay and I planted the seeds for a future conversation around her grandmother and the Theatre of The Church! 

* All this and SO much more...

Kay Louise Aldred is a visionary change maker: a teacher, liberation, embodiment and spirituality orientated theologian, writer and published author. She catalyses individual, institutional and collective evolution and wellbeing - through education, embodiment and creative meaning making strategies - via interconnected insights and approaches which combine metacognition, intuition and instinct. As a trauma-informed mentor and facilitator, Kay offers online and in-person consultancy, training and resources.

Kay is autistic and passionate about increasing awareness of the strengths of neurodivergence. She is an Associate at Neurodiverse Connection, a neurodivergent-led, Community Interest Company, set up to improve support and outcomes for the neurodivergent population. 

Find Kay:

Order her books:

To watch the video at MaximizeU.Life:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xi0SnBFmouw

Connect with your host Sandra Bargman:

Show artwork for The Edge of Everyday with Sandra Bargman

About the Podcast

The Edge of Everyday with Sandra Bargman
Actor, Inter-spiritual minister and Storytelling Teacher, Sandra Bargman leans into the understanding that life isn't black or white, but rather it's where these two intersect where we find the most creativity, chaos and ultimately, understanding.
Based on her hit one-woman show of the same name, The Edge of Everyday with Sandra Bargman explores the transformative moments where everyday life meets uncertainty, growth, and deeper meaning. Through intimate, thought-provoking conversations, the show examines identity, paradox, spirituality, and social change, inviting listeners to reflect on the edges between fear and courage, comfort and expansion. It’s a space for authentic storytelling and soulful inquiry into what it means to live fully and consciously in a complex world. Real talk with real people that spark provocative invitations to leap out of what’s safe.

About your host

Profile picture for Sandra Bargman

Sandra Bargman

Actor, Inter-spiritual minister and Storytelling Teacher, Sandra Bargman leans into the understanding that life isn't black or white, but rather it's where these two intersect where we find the most creativity, chaos and ultimately, understanding.
Based on her hit one-woman show of the same name, The Edge of Everyday with Sandra Bargman explores the transformative moments where everyday life meets uncertainty, growth, and deeper meaning. Through intimate, thought-provoking conversations, the show examines identity, paradox, spirituality, and social change, inviting listeners to reflect on the edges between fear and courage, comfort and expansion. It’s a space for authentic storytelling and soulful inquiry into what it means to live fully and consciously in a complex world. Real talk with real people that spark provocative invitations to leap out of what’s safe.