Meet Rachael Skolnik Bonaiuto | Somatic Psychotherapist, Dance Movement Therapist, Authentic Movement Facilitator & Akashic Records Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachael Skolnik Bonaiuto and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachael, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada. My parents moved us there from a small farm town in Illinois when I was young. I was quickly exposed to a fast moving darkness that deeply impacted my sensitive heart. My dad worked in the prison system and was convinced that evil existed and that some people were inherently bad. We would have debates about the human condition, about light and dark, good and bad, illness and wellness. I would dance, write and spend time in nature to make sense of my experience, to feel connected, and to know myself. This all converged, throughout years of life experience, calling me into a career path where I am devoted to reflect the light in others and integrate spirit, movement and embodiment to support humans to know our goodness, to heal our wounds, and to serve consciousness for the benefit of all beings.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The path to my life’s work has been a curvy road, a call and response, rather than a linear journey. Even now, when asked what I do, I usually have to pause, assess my audience, and choose my words with care. I remain in open trust to the continued unfolding, to being surprised by the Mystery, and to following the call…

I am a somatic psychotherapist and educator, a dance movement therapist and a teacher of Authentic Movement – an embodied mystical practice that develops inner awareness and relational connection for reclaiming and rediscovering our wholeness. I offer witness, care, and refined attention to the places that need healing, that have yet to remember the ancient truth that we all deserve to love and be loved. I also lead ecstatic-prayerful dances in our community and offer Akashic Record Consultations.

Perhaps what sets me apart is that I’ve come into my work from the inside out, from a deep listening to my inner guidance and doing the healing work to become my truest self. I am humbly devoted to the path of embodied awakening and thus, am fully committed to my own growth and integration. I am proud of this – my authentic presence – cultivated over years and years of tending, excavating, healing, being with discomfort, and opening to the full experience of being human.
This was, and is, challenging on many levels. I’ve been on my knees in pain and anguish, more times that I can count, and found my way through – with seen and unseen supports. Knowing this terrain, the way through and the importance of staying with, has served in my work life so much.

I often hear from people that I offer a truly non-judgmental safe-enough space to be with what arises. And that this becomes a well of wellness they can return to. I continue to cultivate this presence, especially when things get hard. Authentic Movement has been the most profound Spiritual practice for me and I LOVE sharing it with others, experiencing the power of seeing and being seen, and supporting folks on their paths. I am in deep devotion to honoring the wisdom of the body as a path to a Soulful life.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
To most peoples’ surprise, I am a raging introvert. I find my inner world to be the most exciting of all places.
That said, if a dear friend was visiting the area, depending on their interests and desires, I would likely want to take them to some of my favorite places. This would include:

Red Rocks/Live Music outdoors
Farmer’s Market
Mountain hike(s)
Buckingham Park
Movement Mass dancing with Golden Bridge
Sherpa’s & Busaba’s for delicious meals
… and if we have time, Joyful Journey or Valley View for some Hot Springs soaking!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So many deserve to be recognized for where I am today! I would not be here without the support of my beloved ones, my guides and ancestors, and all those that I have encountered along my path. I wholeheartedly thank my parents for giving me life, my siblings for helping me find my voice, my mentors for teaching me so much about my craft, for witnessing me and helping me see myself, my friends for loving me and teaching me to love, my community for holding me through it all, my partner for endless love, care and support, and my children – my greatest teachers – for helping me understand the biggest love, explore my shadow and do my deepest healing work. Thank you. Deepest bow of gratitude.

Website: https://www.embodiedwellness.org

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Sol Spirit Photography & Carol Brizuela

https://carolinabrizuela13.wixsite.com/sol-spirit