The Journey of
Growing UP
a Framework for Healing & Reality-Creation
HELLO AND WELCOME!
My name is Mariela Pérez-Simons (MFA, MDiv), and I am the master architect of this framework, which I put together, brick by brick, after a decade of studying & practicing the following modalities: Somatics, the nervous system, energetics, ancient spirituality, Neuro Linguistic Programming, Narrative Psychology, Psychedelics, Human Design, Astrology, & The Gene Keys.
This framework is for healing, yes, but it’s much more than that;
it’s a process for uncovering our purpose and vitality;
it’s a philosophy for building The New Earth;
and it’s also a tool for enhancing our relationships.
I’m thrilled you are here! :)
Let’s dive in!
What is this journey
About?
The Journey of Growing UP is literally the journey of allowing the energy that moves through our bodies to move UP effortlessly, the way Nature intended …
It’s about allowing the stream of life to move UP naturally & authentically (without resistance) helping us flourish in this world.
It’s about softening the layers of freeze in the body created by unprocessed emotions & stress; these layers make it hard for the energy to move through us and nourish us. Often, these blockages arise from past experiences where we suppressed our true feelings, took on other people’s expectations, or held onto fear or resentment. When these energies remain unexpressed or unhealed, they get stuck in our mind/body system, creating points of resistance.
Allowing energy to move UP through us means softening those resistance points. Sometimes this doesn’t require force or effort; it’s as simple as releasing tension in a muscle. Sometimes it’s all about becoming aware of where we’re holding tension in the body, breathing into those areas, and creating space for energy to flow again there.
When we allow this, energy begins to self-regulate, finding balance and harmony on its own.
This flow restores a sense of inner alignment, bringing us back to our natural rhythm.
In this state, we feel grounded, clear, and connected, able to respond to life with ease and presence; the energy flows where it’s needed, nourishing every aspect of our being, and this effortless movement is what brings healing, growth, and freedom.
IT’S AS SIMPLE AS THAT!
…
AND SOMETIMES IT’S NOT THAT EASY.
Sometimes our holding patterns are really really strong.
Sometimes it feels impossible to relax our muscles and to become soft.
That’s why we are here!
This is all about teaching the body to feel safe enough
to drop those tensions and become soft once again.
When we begin the journey, we start finding PARTS
inside ourselves that are creating those layers of tension in the body.
Sometimes these parts simply need love,
the unconditional loving acceptance of The Mother archetype;
and sometimes we encounter more stubborn parts (and layers of freeze)
that need the commitment of a warrior.
That’s why I created two ways of tending to our parts:
The Way of The Mother & The Way of The Warrior.
THE WAY OF THE MOTHER
The Journey of Growing UP, when we look at it from the perspective of “The Mother” archetype, is a path of human development and maturation that supports the growth of our inner children—those immature parts within us that are still holding on to unprocessed emotions or who have unmet needs. When left unattended, these parts can create patterns that keep us feeling stuck or limited, depressed or purposeless, lacking in energy, etc...
Growing UP is about creating a safe, compassionate space for these parts to mature and integrate, allowing us to align with our innate nature, wisdom, vitality, and purpose.
The Way of the Mother isn’t about gender; anyone can engage in the Way of the Mother, which means holding ourselves and our inner children with deep compassion and understanding.
The Way of the Mother guides us to nurture each center of the body, and it helps us counterbalance the dominant, often patriarchal systems that have taught us to focus on control, discipline, and external validation.
Following The Way of The Mother we are invited to meet our inner children in a way that honors their need for connection, expression, and grounding.
THE WAY OF THE WARRIOR
And sometimes we need a different approach, like “The Way of the Warrior,” a path of inner strength, discipline, and courage.
The warrior within doesn’t shy away from discomfort; instead, it faces what’s challenging, what’s hidden, and what’s vulnerable. The Way of the Warrior is an invitation to become strong in the truth of who we are, honoring the call to transform old patterns.
This path is also about discipline—not in the sense of rigid control, but in the consistency to show up for ourselves every day. The Way of the Warrior understands that healing is an ongoing practice, a commitment to keep moving forward, even when the progress feels slow or uncertain.
With unwavering dedication, the warrior within clears out what no longer serves, protecting the spaces that have healed and working to create a strong foundation for new growth. In this way, the warrior’s discipline becomes an act of self-respect, honoring our own potential and knowing that we’re worthy of the strength and commitment it takes to change. The Way of the Warrior reminds us that true courage comes from within and that each step forward—no matter how small—is a victory.
The Stream of Life
Feeling vibrant and alive, filled with purpose, we become empowered to build a New Earth rooted in the power of nature herself.
Because each of us is A FORCE OF NATURE, not a victim of life. Each of us is a BEING of autonomous creative power!
This is the work I’m inviting you into here.
Let’s explore all of this a little deeper.
LIKE A TREE
The same LIFE-FORCE that moves through a tree, moves through YOU, and it wants to help you grow, evolve, and bear fruit.
The Stream of Life
I believe in Life.
I believe in the current of life-giving energy that animates our body.
I believe in this Bio-Energy (Bio = Life).
Without it, we would not be here.
Without it, we could not create reality.
I believe that this Stream of Life is
INTELLIGENT and CREATIVE;
it knows what to create through us.
I often think of this energy as our INTUITION,
and it’s like a gentle, wise river that knows exactly where to flow.
But when there’s too much freeze in the system or we are not connected to the body,
we don’t have access to her wisdom.
Our work here calls us to remove the layers of freeze so that this
Stream of Life can guide us toward fulfilling our evolutionary purpose.
At this time more than ever, we are being summoned to take our place
in the larger evolution of life on this planet, to build The New Earth.
Our job is to tend to this energy,
which is not separate from nature but part of the same pulse that creates worlds and sustains every living organism.
We are suffering largely because we have disconnected from this inner guiding system.
The Stream of Life that moves through each of us
is a medicinal flow that can heal and nourish not only ourselves but also our communities and the larger ecosystems.
This is the power of Gaia, The Earth Mother that lives through us.
Growing UPward
through the Energetic Centers
The Hubs of Bio-Energy.
Life-force energy gathers in hubs (or centers) in our bodies, just as it does in nature.
Imagine a tree:
Life flows UP through its roots, nourishes its trunk, and extends through its branches
to bring fruit and shelter to its surroundings.
Each part of the tree holds a unique purpose.
Similarly, our bodies accumulate life force energy in different centers,
each with a unique function.
While some spiritual systems identify seven or nine centers of energy in the human body,
here we’ll focus on FOUR main hubs to make this journey simpler and more approachable.
These four centers serve as primary anchors for the life force within us,
each one representing a specific stage of growth and a vital aspect of our personal and creative development.
1. Root Center:
Just as roots anchor a tree, our feet, legs, & lower body help us feel deeply grounded.
They provide stability and security.
Being connected to this center is essential for feeling safety and belonging.
2. Sacral Center:
Moving upward, life force energy pools in the Sacral Center,
fueling our vitality, desires, and creativity.
This hub is where we connect to the joy of being alive and our capacity to create from a place of satisfaction.
3. Heart Center:
As energy rises to the Heart Center,
it nourishes our ability to love, empathize, and connect with others.
This center embodies courage and compassion, empowering us to give and receive love openly.
4. Head Center:
Finally, life force energy gathers in the Head Center,
the source of inspiration, clarity, and perspective.
Here, we access wisdom that helps us make sense of our experiences and align our actions with a higher purpose.
These four centers create a simple yet powerful structure through which life force energy flows,
guiding our growth, evolution, and supporting our journey from root to crown.
Moving from Freeze to Flow
Again, LIFE wants to create through you.
You are here not just to exist, but to contribute to the ongoing creation of reality.
This is the very nature of life—flourishing, evolving, and bringing forth fruit.
You, your body, are a vessel for this creative life force.
But, as mentioned before, we live in a world where many of us are stuck in a state of freeze, and we don’t even know it.
This state of freeze—what I call “The Frightful Freeze”—
is a state that prevents us from accessing the vitality and wisdom we need to create, to live fully, and to manifest The New Earth.
That’s why part of the journey we’re embarking on is about moving
from freeze to flow.
When we’re in freeze, we feel unable to move forward, unable to create, unable to connect with the deeper pulse of life.
But life, by its very nature, seeks to move.
The Stream of Life within you wants to flow naturally and authentically again.
It’s waiting for you to melt the freeze, to release the layers of tension that have built up,
and to let the current of creation run through your body.
The Village of the Body
To understand how to move from freeze to flow, I invite you to look at the body as a village.
Just like a village is made up of different parts that work together to create harmony,
the body is made up of different centers playing a role in the flow of energy.
These centers are like the neighborhoods of the village,
and the Stream of Life is the river that connects them all.
When the river flows freely, the village thrives.
When the river is blocked, the village falls into stagnation.
Let’s Play a Game!
I call it:
“Vision Goes Down to The Village.”
The truth is, before we can grow UP, we have to grow Down ⬇️.
Vision is the Hero of this story.
Vision is the light of your conscious awareness,
a lantern that we are going to use very intentionally here.
We are calling on:
the LIGHT of your CONSCIOUS MIND
to stop dissociating or abandoning the body
and to journey to the four areas of the village,
to meet the parts, and to give them the resources they need to Grow UP.
As Vision travels UP the stream of life-force energy,
it recovers an essential part of our medicine, unleashing the medicinal power of our authentic flow.
From the root it claims SAFETY
From the Sacral it claims SATISFACTION
From the Heart it claims LOVE & COURAGE
From the Head it claims CLARITY
THE CENTERS WHEN THEY ARE WELL-RESOURCED AND UNDER-RESOURCED
1. Root Center: Grounding, Presence, Safety
Common Issues (Under-Resourced):
•Anxiety and restlessness
•Feeling disconnected from the present moment
•A sense of being “gone” or not fully present in your body
•Difficulty feeling secure or supported in life
•Overwhelm from survival mode and stress
When Well-Resourced:
• A strong sense of groundedness and safety
• Feeling present in the moment, connected to your body and surroundings
• Calm and steady energy
• A deep sense of security and stability, both physically and emotionally
2. Sacral Center: Creativity, Desire, and Satisfaction
Common Issues (Under-Resourced):
• Lack of passion, enthusiasm, or joy for life
• Feeling uninspired, stuck, or blocked creatively
• Depression or apathy, particularly around desires or projects
• Low energy and lack of vitality
• Difficulty finding satisfaction in life’s pleasures
When Well-Resourced:
• A deep connection to creativity and passion
• Feeling inspired and full of vitality
• Joyful engagement with life’s pleasures
• Satisfaction in creative expression and personal desires
• A strong sense of inner fire and excitement about the future
3. Heart Center: Love, Pride, and Confidence
Common Issues (Under-Resourced):
• Feelings of shame or unworthiness
• Inability to express or receive love fully
• Anger, resentment, or emotional overwhelm
• Disconnection from joy and fulfillment
• Difficulty feeling proud or confident in yourself
When Well-Resourced:
• A strong sense of self-worth and confidence
• Pride in your accomplishments and who you are
• Openness to love and connection, both giving and receiving
• Joy and fulfillment in relationships and life
• Balanced emotional expression, free from excess anger or shame
4. Head Center: Clarity, Wisdom, and Letting Go
Common Issues (Under-Resourced):
• Overthinking and mental clutter
• Difficulty letting go of old patterns, beliefs, or relationships
• Feeling disconnected from your body and surroundings
• A lack of mental clarity, feeling scattered or overwhelmed
• Constant planning and analyzing, leading to burnout
When Well-Resourced:
• Mental clarity and sharpness
• Ability to let go and release what no longer serves you
• A deep connection to your body, mind, and the wisdom within
• Feeling present and peaceful, able to live with ease
• A balanced relationship between thought and action, free from overthinking
Check in with yourself:
• Are any of your centers feeling under-resourced or out of balance?
• What steps can you take to bring them back to a well-resourced state?
• Reflect on your current state of grounding, creativity, love, and clarity, and nurture each center with the care it needs.
Handout: The Energetics of the Centers by Season
This quick reference guide connects each energy center to a season, using visuals to help you understand the essence of their energy. Each center corresponds to a phase in nature’s cycle, offering you a clear image of how the energy manifests when well-resourced.
1. Root Center: Winter – The Bear Den
• Season: Winter
• Visual: A bear den deep inside a mountain, representing deep rest and restoration.
• Energetic Theme: Stillness, safety, and grounding.
• When Well-Resourced: You feel secure, grounded, and connected to the present moment, like being wrapped in the warmth of the earth.
• Metaphor: This is your home base, where you gather strength in stillness and allow yourself to dream.
2. Sacral Center: Spring – A Field of Wildflowers
• Season: Spring
• Visual: A field of wildflowers bursting with life and color.
• Energetic Theme: Creation, desire, and vitality.
• When Well-Resourced: You feel alive, energized, and excited about life’s possibilities. Your creativity blooms like wildflowers in the spring sun.
• Metaphor: This is where your desires are born and your creative impulses come to life, filling you with a hunger for life and deep satisfaction.
3. Heart Center: Summer – The Sunflower
• Season: Summer
• Visual: A sunflower radiating warmth, standing tall and proud under the sun.
• Energetic Theme: Love, pride, and joy.
• When Well-Resourced: You feel proud, confident, and connected to the love within you. Your heart radiates warmth and joy, like the glow of the summer sun.
• Metaphor: This is the Lion’s heart—strong, radiant, and full of life, allowing you to love and be loved with ease.
4. Head Center: Fall – The Autumn Leaves
• Season: Fall
• Visual: Leaves gently falling from trees, representing the wisdom of letting go.
• Energetic Theme: Wisdom, clarity, and release.
• When Well-Resourced: You experience mental clarity and peace, able to release old patterns and embrace the wisdom that comes with reflection.
• Metaphor: Just like the trees shed their leaves, this is where you let go of what no longer serves you, creating space for renewal and growth in the next cycle.
Use this handout to connect with the main energies in your body:
• Root: Ground yourself in rest and safety like a bear in winter.
• Sacral: Let your creativity blossom like wildflowers in spring.
• Heart: Radiate love and joy like a sunflower in the summer sun.
•Head: Embrace the clarity and “the wisdom of old.”
The Mother in Each Center
1. Root Center: Safety and Grounding
• Here, we activate the Root Mother, who provides security like a mother bear, grounding the panicky, uncertain child within us. She guides this child to feel protected, establishing a safe foundation from which we can grow. This mother helps us find strength and calm, deeply rooted in safety.
2. Sacral Center: Satisfaction and Aliveness
• The Sacral Mother meets the child in us that craves connection, warmth, and a sense of indulgence. She encourages this child to embrace desires, to feel satisfaction, and to enjoy life’s pleasures. By allowing us to pursue fulfillment, she nurtures a healthy relationship with our desires and creative potential.
3. Heart Center: Courageous Love and Self-Compassion
• The Heart Mother feels like a lioness, bold and loving. She holds space for the heart-centered inner child, who may feel afraid of imperfection or vulnerability. This mother figure empowers the child to love courageously, to follow passions, and to embrace self-compassion, supporting us in creating relationships rooted in authenticity and warmth.
4. Head Center: Wisdom and Higher Perspective
• Finally, we meet the Head Center Mother, a wise and gentle guide who helps the inner child of the mind find clarity. She nurtures the need for understanding, calm, and perspective. With her wisdom, we release outdated beliefs, allowing us to align with a mature and insightful view of our lives.
UNDERSTANDING
the Conscious and Subconscious
In this work, the conscious mind is like a lantern, lighting our way through the complex, winding web of our subconscious. This web holds unprocessed memories, emotions, and beliefs, often tangled and embedded in the body’s fascia—a connective tissue that stores experiences and patterns at a physical level. Fascia forms a matrix throughout our body, binding our muscles, bones, and organs together, and also storing the impact of past experiences and stressors.
As we journey through this underground web with the light of conscious awareness, we bring warmth and attention to frozen areas within the fascia. These areas may hold tightly-wound patterns that restrict movement and flow, both physically and emotionally. By gently unwinding and releasing tension in the fascia, we soften parts of ourselves that have been locked in survival mode, creating space for healing and new movement.
This integration of the conscious and subconscious is the heart of The Journey of Growing UP. As we illuminate and unwind the fascia and subconscious layers, we bring our physical and mental landscapes into harmony, allowing us to move forward with clarity, freedom, and alignment.
Main Tools for Growing UP
1. Somatic Inquiry
Somatic inquiry is our way of bringing the conscious lantern into the body’s web, lighting up areas of tension, pain, or pressure. As we gently explore these sensations with curiosity and compassion, we begin to unravel the fascia’s stored patterns and experiences. This process creates a safe space for release, allowing frozen areas to thaw and unwind. Through conscious, loving attention, we restore flow and soften the body’s “web,” bringing healing to the physical and emotional layers intertwined within it.
2. Movement for Each Center
Movement is key to releasing tension and freeing energy within the body’s web. For each center (Root, Sacral, Heart, and Head), we engage in mindful, targeted movements that activate and release frozen energy. By guiding the body in this way, we help open pathways within the fascia, allowing the natural flow of vitality and aliveness to return. Movement becomes a dance between the lantern and the web, illuminating each center and connecting us to a deeper sense of presence and embodied wisdom.
3. Subconscious Reprogramming
Through meditation, guided visualization, and other reprogramming techniques, we bring our conscious lantern directly into the subconscious. Here, we gently support parts of ourselves that may feel abandoned, hidden, or unworthy. This safe, nonjudgmental space allows us to reshape old beliefs, moving from fear or lack into trust and strength. Subconscious reprogramming aligns the subconscious with the conscious intentions of our journey, empowering us to create a more balanced, resilient reality.
4. Moving from Self-Abandonment to Self-Attunement
Self-attunement is the process of consistently showing up for ourselves with the light of conscious awareness. As we move through each center, we recognize areas where we may have abandoned our inner children. By tuning into their needs with empathy and compassion, we create an internal environment of safety, connection, and self-support. Self-attunement replaces patterns of self-abandonment with a nurturing, responsive relationship to ourselves, building a strong foundation for healing and growth.
5. Breathwork and Sound Resonance
Breathwork and sound resonance can further help release tension and integrate each center. The breath, as it flows through the body, acts like a subtle wave that helps dislodge deeply stored energy and trauma within the fascia. Sound vibrations resonate through the body’s web, breaking up blocks and restoring harmony in each center. Using these tools, we bring deeper awareness and release to areas that may resist conscious inquiry or movement alone.
These tools combine to create a supportive framework, guiding you through the complex, interconnected layers of your being. With each step, we bring the light of awareness into the body’s web, unraveling old patterns and reestablishing a natural, harmonious flow of life-force energy.
This journey empowers you to reclaim your vitality, reconnect with your true self, and live from a place of wholeness and alignment.