Meet wendy figone | Wellness Consultant/Retreat Leader

We had the good fortune of connecting with wendy figone and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi wendy, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When COVID started, I could not offer my clients relief in the form of myofascial release. I began zooming, teaching clients how to practice self myofascial release. I also opened an outdoor “forest office”. This beautiful forested area was profoundly healing for my clients, which led me to become a forest therapy guide. I also took my clients to the ocean to practice yoga, silent disco dancing and so much more at Maverick’s beach, which is a powerful energy vortex in Half Moon Bay.

Concurrently I enrolled in Stanford’s compassion training- the ACT program, which people from all over the world showed up online for a year, we all created projects to bring compassion into our communities. My project was and is my Somatic Ecotherapy website. Self compassion is the driving force behind the art of self care.

I see so much suffering that has become hidden and stigmatized in our society. Everyone is feeling the stressors of the culture we live in. Even if your nervous system is regulated, you are impacted by all those who struggle around you. You can medicate this stress, by turning away from yourself and your true power or lean into the struggle and learn how to listen, finding tools to cope with mind and body stress . It is vital to feel our emotions and where they land in our body so we do not internalize or project how we feel. In its essence, the embodiment work, forest therapy and self compassion practices become embodied, you become this way of being. Not only is it good for your physical and metal health, but it has a ripple effect on everyone you come into contact with.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is currently evolving, which is very exciting. I have my foot in many endeavors. I still offer hands-on myofascial release here in Hillsborough, Ca. I am doing more consulting work with health care providers in the form of webinars. I am now offering retreats for women, zoom classes and private consultations. silent disco beach dancing, forest bathing excursions and so much more. I have many tools in my tool belt and a life time of education and training within the field of wellness. I am interested in working with more tech companies and helping people work toward better and more regular self care. Self care comes down to your best practice and is highly individual. I am very proud of myself for learning how to take life’s challenges and turn them into something good: a vehicle to grow and help others. I am fortunate to be able to work my life’s purpose, i knew that I wanted to help people feel better from the time I was quite young. I grew up in the Santa Cruz mountain, riding my pony deep into the redwoods. This was where I felt most authentic and connected with myself-the roots of my forest therapy.
Has my business trajectory been easy? Does anything steeped with deep meaning and value come easily? It has been a path for sure, self doubt has crept in on occasion and still does. Then life reinforces that I am on the right path. I get quiet a lot and listen to my inner guide. I also spend a lot of time outdoors and feel like I internalize this beauty into my soul. I work to become an island of peace.
I have handled my challenges by learning how to slow down and flow with life better, accepting things I cannot change and focusing on what I have power to change. I am learning how to slow down and balance out my life, live my life in a full and satisfying manner. I practiced life style medicine and take exquisite care of myself, this has created a reliable resilience within.
What are the lessons I have learned along the way? The embodiment of compassion is allowing me to soften my edges and see my triggers- combined with knowing how to return to my center has made me much less reactive and more able to function on a much higher level. I am more conscious. I have learned how to be more humble and authentic. As an empath, I am learning to value my needs and ask for help. I am learning to love myself. I think we often can look for others to love part of us that we cannot even sit with- I am learning how to be equanimous with who I am, loving all parts of me without judgement. I am learning how to self partner-become my own advocate. I am a seeker, so the learning is daily and ongoing.
What would I like the world to know about my brand and story? I like to refer to my story and “My gift in ugly Wrapping Paper”. I came to do what I do by finding my own solutions to chronic stress and pain. I had a lung collapse while studying pranayama while in yoga school. My teacher told me “Ahh… so you will teach people how to breathe”. After multiple surgeries and intense chronic pain, I came to Brain Barnes who introduced me to myofascial release. I try to encourage my clients to find meaning in their suffering as they heal.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to visit I would take them to Refuge Day Spa in Carmel Valley. It is an outdoor day spa that is very affordable and gorgeous. I actually offer my workshops there. Highly recommend. I would not miss Filoli Gardens in Redwood City- a treasure! Bring a picnic. A trip to Santa Cruz for a day of surfing maybe, Mavericks in Half Moon Bay. There are so many things to do around here!

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?
That’s a wonderful question! Yes, I have an enormous list of people who have lifted me up and supported my journey. My family and friends have encouraged me from the beginning. I have been a part of a wonderful community called Wisdom 2.o for the past 12 years. This talk speaks to your question perfectly! https://rb.gy/s7mhrw Brian Barnes and is father John, were the ones who made it possible for me to study and become a myofascial therapist. Without Brian, I would not be who I am today. He has since passed and I love and miss him so much. He woke up this beacon of light within me, a light we all possess.
Here are just a very few people that come to mind:
My dear friends Kara and David Shafer who sponsored my compassion training.
My three boys: Eddie, JD and Ben for loving and believing in me.
A local neurologist who gave me the opportunity to work with people with Parkinson’s symptoms. She taught me so much and offered her unconditional friendship.
Kayte Miller- my confidant and friend
Spirt Rock Meditation Center- in particular Rick Hanson, Jack Kornfield, Roger Housden and Phillip Moffit.
Wisdom 2.o
Association for Nature and Forest Therapy
Stanford ACT program

Website: www.somaticecotherapy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendyfigone/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-figone-b881abb0/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1455568507933851

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLF_thVD0jmzu4I4Hv1Rjxg