Hosted by Rosemary Davies-Janes, Produced by J’aime Rothbard.
In this magical conversation, Dr. Ruby shares the launch of The Khonmadi Project, which was inspired by a dream. She has since discovered that Khonmadi is known to different indigenous cultures worldwide, as a term that relates to healing Mother Earth. Dr. Ruby also shares her personal and professional journey, which began at age 13. Learning about the emotional roots of physical pain, led her from massage therapy to somatic healing, and the creation of Somatic Archaeologyⓒ which considers the body a "walking library" of information which, when accessed, facilitates deep healing.
Dr Ruby explains:
- How her work supports people's recovery from chronic pain, historical amnesia, cultural trauma, grief, addictions, despair and inherited repetitive familial patterns - How we can support Mother Earth through mindfulness, respect, and offering prayers - The role her grandmothers play in guiding her life and work - How clearing our own internal "debris" allows for greater spiritual connection and contribution
Dr. Ruby concludes by suggesting that we choose to live our lives as warriors, lovers, or magicians. She explains why she personally identifies with the magician, who walks a path of continuous learning, transformation and building bridges that take people from where they are to where they’re going
About Dr Ruby Gibson: Somatic Archaeology© Developer/Trainer, Executive Director of Freedom Lodge
A certified somatic therapist of Mediterranean / Lakota descent, with 35 years of experience as an international educator, Dr. Ruby’s focus is Transgenerational Healing and Historical Trauma Recovery. In 1995, she developed Somatic Archaeology© to help those in recovery from chronic pain, repetitive familial patterns, historical amnesia, cultural trauma, grief, addictions and despair.
She believes that we can translate historical trauma into present day psychological / spiritual advantage. In 2015, her non-profit group, Freedom Lodge, received a grant to open the Black Hills Historical Trauma Research & Recovery Center in Rapid City, SD. As that work is now completed, Freedom Lodge has relocated to Lakewood, CO where it continues its work to fully heal Native wounds, to reclaim Native heritage and to mend the Sacred Hoop of Life so as to honor the next seven generations.
A seasoned humanitarian who embraces many traditions, Dr Ruby began her spiritual journey at the age of 13 and has spent her life in service to the healing of Mother Earth and the betterment of her community. In empowering people to create generational harmony by providing leadership to their families, colleagues, clients and communities, her objective is two-fold: to lighten the load for future generations, and to integrate unresolved burdens for conscious remembering and earth-centered resourcing. In other words, helping others find the gift within the wound. These are activities of profound responsibility that require consciousness and ethical reflection.
Dr Ruby is a gifted storyteller who authored My Body, My Earth, The Practice of Somatic Archaeology. She is excited to launch her next campaign, the Khonmadi Project, in July 2025.
The mother of 4 children and Grandmother of 5, she has hope for the future.
Promotional Message: If you're a current Compassionate Inquiry Professional Training Program participant or graduate, you're invited to CI's Experiential Intensive Retreat, in the north of Ireland, from September 8 - 12. Deepen your personal and community connections in the beautiful natural setting of Corrymeela, with beautiful views over the Irish sea. Rest, reflect, and partake in workshops, CI-, body- and nature-based practice sessions, plus delightful evening community celebrations, with home-cooked meals, Irish music and dancing. Tap this link to learn more.
Resources:
Website:
Professional Website
Related Links:
Khonmadi: The Origin Story
Freedom Lodge
Somatic Archaeology
My Body My Breath
Colorado School for Healing Arts
Books:
My Body, My Earth, The Practice of Somatic Archaeology
The True Power of Water
War and the Soul
The Woman’s Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets
Podcasts:
Point of Relation Podcast (2023) with Thomas Hübl
Daring to Rest (2023)
Awe in Trauma (2022)
Articles:
Bold Journey Magazine (2024)
Enspire Magazine (2023)
Social Impact Heroes (2022)
Cultural Survival (2020)
Quotes:
There are three ways to live your life… as a warrior. (She fights for what she wants.) As a lover. (She who holds space for everything to have.) Or as a magician. (She who builds a bridge from where we are to where we're going.) You have an opportunity to shift around in those three ways of presenting yourself… I've been living in the magician, doing a lot of transforming. It's a very powerful place to be, and I've learned things I never thought I would.” - Dr Ruby Gibson
Poem:
I Am
I am the rock, I am the shore I am the pulse, the ocean floor I am the wind that sweeps your hair The breath of love in every prayer
I am alone, I am a part I am the vein, I am the heart I am the sun that warms your back The compassion that you lack
I am the womb, I am the cave I am the woman, I am the brave. I am the water that you drink The sound of peace in thoughts you think
I am the seed, I am the flower I am the earth, I am the power.
- Dr Ruby Gibson, 2000
Social Media:
- https://www.facebook.com/people/Somatic-Archaeology/61569273890555/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruby-gibson-328321345/
- https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=dr+ruby+gibson
