One of my earliest clear memories is from elementary school, when I was about six years old.
I was sitting in class, being taught the story of Adam and Eve. I remember hearing how Eve ate the apple, how it was considered a sin, and how she — and by extension humanity — were punished as a result.
I didn’t know how to express it then, but something about that story embedded itself in me. It made me uncomfortable. It didn’t feel right.
Looking back, what stands out is not only the story itself, but that I remember it at all.
We are constantly taking in information, most of which passes straight through us. The things we remember are often the things that ping something internal. A recognition we can’t yet explain. A moment that touches a deeper knowing.
I doubt most of the others in that classroom remember that lesson. But I do.
Over time, I began to see those experiences as points of contrast. Shadows that reveal potential wisdom. Not places we’re meant to live in, but references that help us discern truth by showing us what it is not.
We don’t know wisdom without the unwise.
We don’t know alignment without misalignment.
We don’t know what we love without brushing up against what we don’t.
The shadow isn’t the destination — it’s the contrast that helps us see.
Then, more recently, something unexpected happened.
I began writing poetry.
There was no plan. No intention to be creative. It simply started and then continued for several days. The words came easily, almost insistently. Simple, but deep. Observational. Articulating things I had noticed throughout my life but hadn’t yet conveyed.
It felt therapeutic. Clarifying. Like something long held was finally finding form.
When I had written several poems, I remember stopping and thinking, what is this? I looked it up and discovered a word I hadn’t thought of before: chapbook.
One of the first poems I wrote was titled ‘Origin Story.’ It traced directly back to that early classroom memory.
Not long after, I deepened my understanding of my own Human Design. I discovered that the unfolding of my midlife work is reflected in the Right Angle Cross of Eden.
A brief description of this cross speaks of articulating the loss of innocence as an art form; the gift of expressing love and crisis through poetry and creative outlets. And with a desire for a return to the beauty and harmony of that symbolic place called Eden.
I remember reading that and pausing. Recognizing.
This was the thread through life weaving itself together. Coming full circle to reveal its meaning. And I noticed. And I stood in appreciation.
The chapbook became Leaving Eden, an honoring of the contrast and those lessons learned.
It was now time for the journey back home.
A return to Eden.
A return to you.
With a lifelong interest in the mind–body connection, I studied both psychology and dance during my university years. Following graduation, I began a twenty-five-year career in Human Resources, supporting businesses across industries, geographies, and organizational scale.
In identifying key issues in the workplace, I wanted to make a deeper impact by helping people see things differently and understand one another more clearly. Then, I discovered BG5, the practical application of Human Design.
This framework helped me clarify my own role as an Advisor with intuitive decision making. I realized that I was not designed to push; I was designed to notice and to guide. Since then, I’ve witnessed profound insight unfold for individuals, partners, and teams navigating every phase of career and life.
Now, midway through my own life, my path is coming full circle to combine mind, body, life, and work in a practical meaningful way. In weaving together people operations, human design-informed tools and somatics, I support people and organizations who are ready to live and work in a more aligned way.
I offer individuals guidance in navigating transition, making aligned decisions and recalibrating work and life. I offer businesses guidance in team alignment, leadership clarity and workforce wellbeing.
This isn’t about changing or fixing who you are. It’s about returning to yourself.
If you’d like to connect, I’d love to hear from you.
natalie@speakeasysomatics.com
