
Unlearning Perfectionism — with Rachel Blackman
Explicit content warning
05/02/22 • 69 min
In this episode, Jennifer talks with artist, performer, and somatic educator Rachel Blackman about what happens when we embrace the tension of failing, mistakes, and experimentation. They discuss the liberation of unlearning perfectionism through the twists and turns of professional careers. And Jennifer offers a practice to help you let go of needing 'to get it right' and more fully embrace the potential of iterating.
You can learn more about Rachel's work here.
- She's the co-lead trainer at The Somatic School equipping coaches, trainers and 'body' people to work with the intelligent body in coaching.
- She's a Feldenkrais Practitioner and is currently training in Comprehensive Resource Model.
- For Rachel's theatre making and performance work, please visit tinyfailures.com
Links & Resources-
- Stay in touch with Jennifer's work and offerings to support your path of emergence by subscribing here or by following her on Instagram.
- Show music by the talented Jordy Walker
Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.
In this episode, Jennifer talks with artist, performer, and somatic educator Rachel Blackman about what happens when we embrace the tension of failing, mistakes, and experimentation. They discuss the liberation of unlearning perfectionism through the twists and turns of professional careers. And Jennifer offers a practice to help you let go of needing 'to get it right' and more fully embrace the potential of iterating.
You can learn more about Rachel's work here.
- She's the co-lead trainer at The Somatic School equipping coaches, trainers and 'body' people to work with the intelligent body in coaching.
- She's a Feldenkrais Practitioner and is currently training in Comprehensive Resource Model.
- For Rachel's theatre making and performance work, please visit tinyfailures.com
Links & Resources-
- Stay in touch with Jennifer's work and offerings to support your path of emergence by subscribing here or by following her on Instagram.
- Show music by the talented Jordy Walker
Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.
Previous Episode

Introducing The Tension Of Emergence
Join host, Jennifer England, as she explores what happens when we slow down and let go of control on the transformational path of inner and outer change making. Together we explore the discomfort and delight of expansion and the power of alchemizing it to allow something new to emerge.
Jennifer talks with mystics, poets, changemakers and heart-centered leaders about what’s possible inside ourselves and our collective when we loosen our grip with an open heart. For inspiration and practice—come subscribe, grab a tea and join Jennifer and her friends today.
Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.
Next Episode

The Art of Belonging and Our Capacity to do Unexpected Things — with Pádraig Ó’Tuama
Where do you belong? Where are your edges of belonging?
Belonging/not belonging is a universal and intimate experience that shapes our identities, self-confidence, rebellion and personal evolution. In Episode 2 of Tension of Emergence, Jennifer speaks with poet and theologian Pádraig Ó’Tuama about belonging and how it's shaped by language through politics, theology and recent national events like Brexit.
At the heart of this conversation, Pádraig and Jennifer discuss:
- how language became a source of rebellion and relief as he navigated exclusion and belonging in beloved places and institutions;
- the importance of truth-telling to name and liberate what's inconvenient and difficult; and
- how to create places where we all belong.
At the end, Jennifer offers a practice to help explore and cultivate belonging and inclusion in daily life.
Pádraig Ó’Tuama is the author of many books including In the Shelter: Finding a Home in the World, Readings from the Book of Exile and Borders and Belonging: The Book of Ruth, A Story for our Times with Glenn Jordan. He hosts the popular Poetry Unbound podcast with OnBeing Studios and The Corrymeela Podcast. Most recently Pádraig was the poet in residence at the Morton Deutsch International Centre for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution at Columbia University.
Links & Resources-
- To learn more about Pádraig's writing and work you can visit his website here.
- Stay in touch with Jennifer's work and offerings to support your path of emergence by subscribing here or by following her on Instagram.
- Show music by the talented Jordy Walker
Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.
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