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PODCAST - From Burnout to Embodied Healing: A Path of Transformation ft. Thu Nguyen

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Today, we dive into the captivating world of Episode 13 of the Red Beard Embodiment Podcast. In this interview, host Alex Greene sits down with Thu Nguyen, a somatic coach and founder of Nusqool, where adults can reconnect with their true selves after experiencing burnout.

Thu's personal journey is both inspiring and relatable. With a background in engineering and a career focused on wireless connectivity, Thu found herself burning out multiple times over a 20-year span. It was during this period that she discovered her true calling as a facilitator and trauma-informed coach.

Born in Vietnam, Thu's family emigrated to Toronto when she was just a young child. Growing up in a multicultural environment, she navigated the complexities of multi-generational trauma, war, and being a single mother. However, her passion for programming and technology led her to pursue a career in engineering.

Thu's career path took her to Silicon Valley, where she worked tirelessly, often clocking in over 24-hour days. The pressure-cooker environment eventually led to her first near-death experience and a wake-up call to prioritize her health. She realized that the pursuit of success and fitting in were not worth sacrificing her well-being.

Over the years, Thu experienced burnout multiple times, each instance serving as a catalyst for change. Through a serendipitous encounter with a naturopath and her journey into Yoga Therapy, Thu discovered the power of embodiment practices. She delved into meditation, Qigong, and eventually stumbled upon TRE (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises), which had a profound impact on her healing journey.

Embracing these practices, Thu explored the mind-body connection and its significance in achieving true well-being. As she ventured deeper into somatic practices, Thu embarked on a transformative path, letting go of old patterns and finding joy amidst uncertainty. She realized that grounding the nervous system and activating our inner resources are vital tools for navigating life's challenges.

In August 2020, during the midst of the pandemic, Thu founded Nusqool, a space for individuals seeking to reconnect with their authentic selves. Through coaching, trauma-informed practices, and embodiment techniques, Thu guides her clients on a journey of self-discovery and healing. She helps them navigate uncertainty with joy, empowering them to envision and manifest what's truly possible.

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Creating a Course for Transformation

Thu Nguyen recounts her involvement with Coralus, an organization formerly known as SheEO, dedicated to empowering women and fostering support among female entrepreneurs. They approached Thu to create a course centered around topics such as money, startups, and personal growth. Thu proposed an innovative approach—a three-month course that would delve into the eight C's and five P's of the Internal Family Systems model. These qualities include curiosity, calm, clarity, compassion, confidence, courage, creativity, connectedness, as well as presence, patience, perspective, persistence, and playfulness. Thu believed that by focusing on these attributes, individuals could tap into their innate creative and resourceful selves, leading to profound transformations.

The course received an overwhelmingly positive response, with participants experiencing significant personal and professional growth. Thu observed how even connecting with a single C or P could fundamentally change a person's perspective and approach to life. This success encouraged Thu to further develop her approach and expand her offerings.

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From Healing to Nusqool

Thu Nguyen's journey of personal healing and growth led her to establish "Nusqool," a transformative space that resides in an old schoolhouse built in 1922. Nusqool serves as a hub for workshops and programs focused on self-discovery, trauma healing, and personal development. Thu envisions Nusqool as a physical and virtual space where individuals can access a diverse range of transformative practices and teachings.

While Nusqool started as Thu's personal synthesis of her learnings and healing experiences, she has now begun to collaborate with other teachers, colleagues, and friends who bring their expertise and perspectives. The space aims to accommodate both in-person and online workshops, fostering accessibility and inclusivity for a wider audience. Thu envisions Nusqool as a place where individuals can connect, learn, and create positive change in their lives and communities.

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Gender Reconciliation and Healing

During the interview, Thu Nguyen also discusses her involvement in gender reconciliation work, which focuses on creating spaces where men and women can come together, share their stories, and heal gender-related wounds. Inspired by Desiree English, a colleague and fellow TRE provider from South Africa, Thu embarked on a transformative journey that challenged her perceptions of gender and deepened her understanding of the struggles faced by both men and women.

Through her participation in the gender reconciliation program, Thu realized that all human beings have their own unique experiences and pain, regardless of gender. It shattered her previous belief that men have it easier than women and allowed her to embrace a more empathetic and compassionate perspective. Thu's involvement in gender reconciliation work has been a pivotal part of her healing journey, and she continues to share her story and facilitate workshops to support others in their transformative processes.

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Looking Ahead: The Vision for Nusqool

As Thu Nguyen reflects on her path and the possibilities that lie ahead, she envisions Nusqool evolving into a four-season classroom with guest teachers, workshops, and high-quality content accessible both in-person and online. She plans to create a crowdfunding campaign to build a dedicated space that can accommodate workshops, residencies, and even the recording of content. Thu aims to create an environment where teachers from various disciplines can come together, share their wisdom, and inspire personal growth and transformation.

Additionally, Thu recognizes the importance of reaching a broader audience beyond the local community. She acknowledges that not everyone can travel to rural Ontario, where Nusqool is located. Therefore, she intends to develop online workshops and content that can be accessed by individuals worldwide, allowing them to benefit from the transformative practices and teachings offered by Nusqool.

Thu Nguyen's vision for Nusqool goes beyond providing workshops and programs. She envisions a supportive and inclusive community where individuals can find solace, connection, and the tools they need to navigate their personal healing journeys. By creating a space that embraces emergent design and encourages self-discovery, Thu hopes to empower individuals to tap into their innate potential and create positive change in their lives and the world around them.

If Thu's story has sparked your curiosity or if you resonate with her experiences, be sure to listen to Episode 13 of the Red Beard Embodiment Podcast now! 

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