CLAIR
ABOUT
Clair works in various mediums including: songwriting, video, watercolours. More recently she has been teaching mindful movement: a decolonized pilates informed version of yoga. She is also interested in integrating movement with her deep passion for tarot and its symbols. Clair is a tarot reader who writes zines about feelings and being queer.
Teacher Q+A
What is your astrological make-up?
Capricorn Rising/ Cancer Sun/ Aries Moon
How did you find movement?
Reclaiming the body as mine. Feeling the effects of generational trauma and the desire to heal it. Moving to undo traumatic body memories by moving for my own pleasure and enjoyment. Recreating new and healing memories with my body. Strengthening my body while strengthening my voice as femme queer human of colour.
How do you find your own good body feel?
Being mindful about my own personal practices that create grounding for me. I regularly list and relist what works for my clarity and emotional stability. I also re-evaluate these often.
I am not religious about my practice, I work diligently to listen to my body. So when I need rest, I rest. When I need to move, I move. I also keep in mind that my body is different everyday, that the thing I can do one day, may not work for another day. I no longer get down on my body for that, but honour its changes by retaining a compassionate perspective towards my body.
Grounding Rituals?
Washing dishes, cooking, cleaning, journaling, singing, walking, sitting and breathing, preparing and drinking tea, reading tarot
How would you describe your approach to movement?
I am interested in rest and restoration for people of colour as well as queer and trans folx, who often face adversity for existing. I am thinking of ways to integrate self touch with mantras to reclaim the body as a gift rather than a ball and chain. To encourage others to take space and embrace their differences and that there is wisdom found in those differences.
I have also become more interested in how to make movements more accessible. Teaching movement made aware of my able body and although I am not the most flexible there are many ways I can move that others find challenging. I am interested in approaching building strength with softness and compassion. I am aware of the persistence it takes to build a movement practice, especially as a beginner. I believe that persistence can be met with gentleness to create a sustainable practice.
I am also here to advocate for caregivers being a part-time caregiver of children myself. Caregivers need to be respected as human with limits, feelings, but also with wisdom and knowledge to share stemming from their experiences.
If you could share anything to your 10 yr old self, what would it be?
You are going to go through a lot of experiences that hurt and you are going to go through a lot of experiences that are like dreams come true. You do not have to be like everyone else. You were meant to be different and share your unique vision with the world. You are capable of fulfilling your dreams and when things change know that they are changing for you. You are so loved.
How is your future self proud of you in this present moment?
That I am taking the time to educate myself about my rights and limits. I am taking the time to know what my boundaries are. That I am beginning to embrace and celebrate myself by advocating for my self care and self love in my daily life.
