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ABOUT ME

My own changes, both personal and vocational, over the past 20 years are all related, in some way, to my involvement with Neuro-Somatics and somatic awareness. The parent website, "Cognizant Soma", was a natural next step, but this "Stedawi" site was not foreseen. However, the transformations witnessed among some who chose to challenge their habitual patterns and ideas, regardless of why or how, were enough to want to share their stories. Those changes always seemed to arise from a newfound awareness or perspective, bringing clarity, a sense of direction, and often a new self-identity. This site is where I hope to share some of those inspiring accounts. We always speak of "personal growth," but this sounds more like something the "world in general" could use right now, doesn't it? Perhaps inspiring one person at a time is a step in that direction!

The acronym, "Stedawi" (Steh-da'h-vee), was initially my artist/author signature many years ago, but quickly became a nickname. With the arrival of the internet, it became an online moniker and remains so, as well as a website name and business name. As a resident of Honolulu, Hawaii, since 1976, I've seen many changes in this city that has been my home for so many years. But I've also seen many changes in myself, in a personal sense. I mention these things because they account for a life that others seem to find unusual. I don't see it as such, but we seldom see ourselves as others do, and that may well describe much of what this site is about, as is the parent site, "Cognizant Soma" (Links). My long association with Neuro Somatics and Somatic Awareness began in 1977, soon after arriving in the islands. A life-threatening experience suddenly took me full circle...back to undergraduate studies in psychology and education. Working three jobs at the time, I was certainly open to other options, but migrating into the personal care sector was definitely unforeseen. My interest in cognition led to resuming post-grad study in Neuro-Psychology, while an active role in a martial arts society led to earning an M.A. in Chinese medicine and a license in Shiatsu Therapy. More than two decades passed before I added Feldenkrais Practitioner and Advanced Breathing Instructor to the list. It's worth noting that during that time gap, several more recent events would factor into our initial story, "An Awakening...to Gift a World", which you'll find in the Content Drop Down Menu.

I'm Stephen "Stedawi" Williams, and I invite you to join me here for inspiring stories of growth and transformation. You'll follow the journeys of individuals who've managed to discover and unlock a version of themself that was always there to some degree, perhaps suppressed by a mistaken self-identity, or held hostage by unwarranted fears or doubts. Their journeys toward discovery and the challenges faced along the way may send chills up your spine and bring tears to your eyes at times. Those effects, both on and within, are more than just emotional reactions. They're a sign of your empathy and appreciation, each being a step toward growth, in its own right. Moreover, those very traits may suggest there could be far more within you than you currently realize.

I hope you'll join me,