Exploring Life & Business with Alexzandra ‘ally’ Strickland of Embodied Ally

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexzandra ‘ally’ Strickland

Hi Alexzandra ‘Ally’, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Certainly. My name is Alexzandra Strickland. My friends call me Ally, and I am the founder of Embodied Ally. My journey to uncover alternative forms of holistic wellness began when I found myself struggling with panic attacks at a young age and deepened during my battle with chronic pain throughout my 20s.

Since high school I’ve been intrigued by the conversation between the mind and the body. Even then, I wondered how a 60-minute dance class could soothe the stress and anxiety I’d been carrying around for days from the feelings I was unable to process. At that time, my go-to coping pattern was dissociating from my feelings, running away from the thoughts, and pushing down the unresolved energy inside myself.

From seeing my family’s struggle with mental health and experiencing my own, I knew that I needed to make a change in my life. I realized that I had a natural ability to calm others and movement brought relief from my personal turmoil, so I began studying Psychology while exploring holistic healing practices and alternative therapies.

Although I knew my interests at a young age, my professional journey has been pretty atypical. I graduated high school with the plan to pursue a PhD in Psychology. That was the ‘logical’ plan. Although I understood the logic, by the end of my undergraduate experience, my internal guidance system was telling me that path would not fulfill me. After becoming more aware of my mindset and motivators, I made the decision to jump out and pivot to pursue a master’s degree in African American Studies to better understand the communal and cultural expression of stress and trauma. Even after graduating with my second degree, a PhD still didn’t sit well with my soul so I went to work for a Fortune 500 consulting company in the public service sector to develop my professional acumen while I nurtured my personal interests.

Looking back on my experience, I always knew I wanted to use alternative forms of wellness to help those around me cope with stress, anxiety, and trauma. I just didn’t have a shiny title for it yet, but I did have a mission. Through my own healing journey with anxiety and chronic pain, I discovered the power of the mind-body connection and the importance of accessible self-care. This led me to pursue certifications in yoga, mindfulness, and somatic healing. While working as an Innovation & Design-Thinking Facilitator by day, I started sharing my somatic knowledge and experiences with others through workshops, classes, and private sessions in my own time.

As I continued to grow and evolve, I founded Embodied Ally as a platform to offer support, resources, and guidance for others on their own healing journeys and shift the narrative around stress. I am passionate about helping people connect with their bodies, minds, and spirits in a holistic and integrative way. I believe that stress is the beginning point of much of our dis-ease and, contrary to popular belief, we can empower ourselves to navigate it effectively.

Today, I am a somatic stress management specialist, cultural wellness speaker, professional mindset coach, and a yoga & breathwork instructor dedicated to helping others find calm and clarity in their lives. The goal is to get my clients out of their heads and into their best lives quickly and holistically, so I continue to explore new modalities and practices to deepen my own understanding to better support my community.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Life is full of challenges and obstacles. The larger the obstacle the more potential it has to mold our life story. Whether that be for better or worse is all about our ability to see the lesson on the other side. And I’ve certainly had my share of life-changing lessons. One of those experiences is the story of how my life’s work became one of the biggest challenges of my young life.

Almost 10 years ago now, I was in a debilitating car wreck.

Let’s rewind to my junior year of college. Just as you’d expect, I was a normal junior doing my best to thrive at the illustrious Spelman College. I went to class, came home, then got in my car to start the 35 minute drive to my evening nannying gig. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it far. Surprise… A young driver speeds through the intersection in my neighborhood, T-boning and totaling my car.

I was hit with so much force that the whole interior of my car shifted and crunched in. I knew it was totaled as I struggled to open the armrest that was now pinned between the two front seats. What I didn’t know was that this accident would totally disrupt my natural connection to my body. Shifting bones, pinching nerves, impeding organs, and inflaming muscles that would take me years to re-align, calm, and free again.

That same day, I felt the first pangs of numbness in my left arm and lightheadedness so my roommate took me to the ER at Emory Hospital. When I was eventually seen, the doctor almost immediately said I was fine because I showed no external injuries. He said it was regular accident pain, gave me muscle relaxers, and sent me on my way. Some might see this as another example of the Western hospital system underestimating, discounting, and misdiagnosing a Black woman.

Nevertheless, that was the beginning of almost 8 years of chronic pain. Although I felt the pain mostly in my lower back, neck, left glute and hip, the muscles around my ribs were locked like stone. I found out almost a decade later that I had been living with a rib or two out of place since the accident. Looking back, I realize that I lost a lot of sensation in that area as my body did its best to cope with the injury. Throughout my early 20s, I felt like I was collapsing in on myself. That discomfort was accompanied by numbness caused by pinched nerves, vomiting, exhaustion, shortness of breath, and thousands of dollars in medical treatments.

Just like that… My life’s work became me working to save my own life. My body was numb from chronic pain, silenced by perplexed physicians, and aching for true peace from the everyday anxiety and traumatic residue that ravaged my nervous system.

I got into my car as one person – but left as someone completely different. My entire body was misaligned and I could barely get out of bed some days. For years I was stressed, filled with anxiety, and in constant pain. My mental health began to decline, I was frustrated by multiple unengaged physicians, and I knew I had to do something about it. I didn’t want to just survive anymore – I was ready to thrive.

I was already studying the use of somatic healing paired with mindfulness coaching as tools to regulate stress, connect to the body, and enable clarity. But now I can say – it is not just a concept to me; it’s my lifestyle and passion. It’s what enabled me to get out of bed when my whole body ached, to find joy although I was the only 24 year old at the party in every day pain, and inspired me to not give up on myself after years of consistent stress and inner trauma.

After implementing an array of healing strategies, my struggle with wellness became more reasonable. The severe pain that had me stuck in bed weakened and became manageable. That anxiety that often held me back started showing up less often. My stress levels also began to decrease and I could finally feel a sense of calm within the storm. I could let go even as my body held on for dear life.

As I sit here almost 10 years after that accident, I’m proud to report that I found the answers to the questions, “How do I create inner calm and self-awareness by using the accessible mind-body connection?” In time, I learned that the path to freeing my body included creating a better relationship with my mind, my emotions, and my self-care. This pushed me further down the path of Somatic Healing, Yoga, and other holistic wellness practices.

Overcoming these struggles has not only made me stronger and more resilient, but it has also equipped me with valuable lessons that I now share with others as a personal development and stress relief coach. Throughout this journey, I’ve work to uncover and release many fears and feelings of disempowerment that fueled my stress and anxiety. I’ve studied a number of healing modalities and structured a methodology that I share with my clients from this research and my lived experiences.

My battle to overcome chronic pain took a level of resilience, mindfulness, and dedication to wellness that truly changed the way I see and experience life. I understand firsthand the power of resilience and holistic growth, and I am passionate about guiding others on their journey towards a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Most people don’t want to hear about your stress, but I do. As a personal development coach who specialized in somatic stress management, I pride myself in helping high achievers overcome anxiety and imposters syndrome to tap into their full potential and achieve their lofty goals.

I founded Embodied Ally to create space and practice for people like you to get out of your head, into your body, and on to your best life.

When stressors and chronic anxiety have us running around caught in an everyday whirlwind, we tend to dissociate from our bodies, battle with clouded judgement, and suffer from common maladies like sleep deprivation or muscle tension. My work is all about aiding my clients in overcome challenges so they can access their inherent strengths and talents to achieve personal and professional success.

The goal of my holistic, trauma-informed approach is empowering individuals to develop a growth-oriented mindset by transforming limiting beliefs and self-sabotaging behaviors while addressing physical tension, stored emotions, and trauma within the body.

What sets me apart from others in my field is my focus on somatic regulation as a tool to reframe stress and anxiety as manageable barriers to success. What if you didn’t have to just accept stress as an inevitable boulder on your shoulders, growing larger and larger with every step you take towards accomplishing your dreams? I see stress as a signal for holistic transformation, not a setback.

By navigating the conversation between the mind and body, I create a safe and inclusive space for my clients to explore their emotions, reconnect to their bodies, confront their fears, and embrace their authenticity while charting a sustainable path forward. I strive to be a supportive ally on their journey towards self-acceptance and deep fulfillment.

I’m most proud of the positive impact I have had on the lives of my clients – seeing them break through barriers, gain clarity, and cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness. My brand is centered around fostering a sense of authentic awareness and resilience, empowering individuals to create a life that aligns with their values and aspirations without consistently sacrificing their mental and physical vitality.

I want readers to know that my offerings go beyond traditional coaching sessions. I also offer a somatic stress management exhibit, workshop facilitation, educational resources, as well as yoga & breathwork classes to support individuals in their personal development journey. Whether you are struggling with the stress of self-doubt, relationship issues, or career transitions, I am here to guide and support you every step of the way.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
A mentor is there to help you uncover and develop your unique vision and chart your personal path to success. Oftentimes, we go into a mentor-mentee relationship driven by a sense of need or lack. In our own self-perception, we are looking for any available expert to lead the way. Just because someone is knowledgeable does not mean they are a teacher, leader, or compassionate companion.

Rather, I encourage you to be very clear about the qualities and relationship dynamic you are looking for in a mentor first. Yes, you are there to learn, but also look at yourself as a colleague and business partner. Ask yourself, “Is this the type of coworker or manager I would feel seen, heard, and respected by in everyday interactions? Do I relate to their communication style and personal values? Do they have the bandwidth to invest in me in the way that I’m looking for?” In fact, I suggest meeting with someone at least twice before you consider them as a viable mentor. Trust your intuition. Remember to be patient and persistent in your search for a mentor, because the right fit may not happen overnight.

Additionally, be open to the possibilities that come from networking and seeking guidance from a diverse group of people. In my experience, I have found that being genuine, proactive, and willing to learn from multiple people has helped me in finding mentors and networking effectively. By building authentic relationships and staying open to new opportunities, you can create meaningful connections that can benefit your personal and professional growth.

Networking events, workshops, and conferences can be great places to connect with potential mentors or like-minded individuals. Don’t be afraid to reach out and introduce yourself, share your intentions, and ask for guidance or advice. And once you are connected, stay in contact. Reach out once a year or once a month, but confidently reach out.

Finally, let’s not forget the power of social media and word of mouth as well. There are so many great mentors that you can find just by simply scrolling Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, or even Facebook. Don’t be afraid to reach out and introduce yourself, share your intentions, and ask for guidance or advice.

Pricing:

• Free 30 Min Consultations
• Custom Coaching Packages

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theembodiedally.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/embodiedally
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560994190284

Image Credits
Kayla Skeete.