Women Who Embody: Annie Gummer
On courage, nature, friendship and finding equilibrium
At Embodyme, we believe in the power of women learning from women, sharing the rituals, practices and everyday moments that help us live more connected, embodied lives.
Women Who Embody is a monthly series dedicated to women we admire who live with presence, connection and intention.
For this month’s conversation, it was a joy to speak with Annie Gummer, physiotherapist and Face Up practitioner.
Annie is a physiotherapist and Face Up practitioner whose practice focuses on delivering research-driven health care that blends science, compassion and life long integration.
She practices in Lake Hāwea, Lake Hayes and Aro Ha Wellness Retreat. She is currently working on an app that will be launching soon to have you feeling & looking your best, with simple guided face massage and full body practices to improve posture, lymphatics, reduce neck and jaw pain and leave you feeling restored and lifted.
Q: What does living an embodied life mean to you?
An embodied life to me is one rich in joy, peace, kindness, and courage. Connecting with those I deeply love, nature, and myself. That feeling you get at the top of a mountain or under the stars, when you feel so small and so big at the same time. A sort of equilibrium. I think a deep sense of all of these things weaved into the tapestry of my life is what it means to live an embodied life.
Q: What is one daily ritual that helps you come back to your body?
Every morning I make myself a hot apple cider vinegar or English breakfast tea and head out for a walk around my garden. A breath in nature grounds me deeply, and the ebbs and flows of each season in the garden teach me about the beauty that lies within each season of life.
Q: When life feels full, what helps to keep you grounded?
My garden is my sacred place, the place I go when things feel a lot. It is the place I go to just be, cry, find joy and dream. It’s my healing place. Playing the piano also gives me a similar feeling. The sound of music makes my soul feel at rest. Maybe I should have a piano in the garden…
Q: What do you do when you want to feel more energised or uplifted?
See or ring a good friend. Years ago my auntie said to me, “Choose how you want to feel after catching up with someone, and then choose the person you catch up with based on that feeling.” This has always stuck with me. I’ve got friends on speed dial who I can guarantee uplifting belly laughs with! They make every dull day better! And friends I have a lifetime of memories with who bring out the best in me - I couldn’t be more grateful for the energy they give!
Q: What makes you feel deeply rested or restored?
A hot shower or bath followed by lying on my Shakti mat with a sleep binaural beats. I’ve been using my Shakti mat daily for almost 10 years. It comes with me everywhere I go - my mind and body love it that much.
Q: Which Embodyme ScentState™ are you most drawn to at the moment?
Courage. We all need a bit more courage, life can be challenging. Courage to keep going and do things outside of my comfort zone that I'll be grateful for later. Courage to hold on to hope in moments of grief. Courage to express all of who I am, no matter who is in the room. Courage makes me bold and feel beautifully me.
Annie’s Choice: Courage
Courage is our grounding ScentState™, created to support feelings of inner strength and confidence through the ritual of scent, touch and presence. Courage is available in our Nurturing Body Oil.
