Nothing happens until something moves. This conversation with Jen Steers, my sister and lifelong movement practitioner, reveals how physical practices become powerful tools for navigating life's complexities.
From childhood outdoor adventures to competitive synchronized swimming, Jen's relationship with movement has always been about freedom and connection. When she discovered yoga, however, something unexpected happened—her busy mind quieted. The physical practice opened doors to philosophical insights that transformed her approach to challenging situations.
During her career working in emergency housing and homeless shelters, Jen found that these movement-based awareness practices became essential tools. Rather than approaching difficult situations with toughness or rigidity, she learned to lead with curiosity and compassion. "It's not about enforcing rules," she explains, "it's about listening, seeing the other in yourself, and helping people see themselves again—not as the issue they're dealing with."
Our conversation explores the fascinating parallels between yoga and equine-assisted learning. Horses, as prey animals with highly sensitive nervous systems, provide immediate, honest feedback about our emotional states. They teach us about authentic presence, boundaries, and the ability to move fluidly between focused action and receptive awareness—what might be called "autonomic flexibility."

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About Jen Steers
Jen Steers has been dedicated to coordinating fitness facilities and community programs in Ottawa Housing neighborhoods. During COVID, she worked in emergency housing and homeless shelters - a big growth experience for her. Jen is passionate about working with people and finding ways to build better systems and relationships, especially with the most vulnerable populations. She integrates yoga, mindfulness, equine therapy and energy work into her daily life and into challenging situations.

After a successful career, Jen retired last summer from the City of Ottawa and is now offering one-on-one coaching group training and corporate wellness workshops in yoga, mindfulness, equine therapy and energy healing.

Jen Steers on Facebook

Jen Steers on Instagram

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Heart of Motion Podcast host Susannah Steers is a Pilates & Integrated Movement Specialist and owner of Moving Spirit Pilates in North Vancouver, BC. She is passionate about movement, about connections and about life.
Through movement teaching, speaking, and facilitating workshops, she supports people in creating movement practices that promote fitness from the inside out. She loves building community, and participating in multi-disciplinary collaborations.

Along with her friend and colleague Gillian McCormick, Susannah also co-hosts The Small Conversations for a Better World podcast – an interview based podcast dedicated to promoting the kind of conversations about health that can spark positive change in individuals, families, communities and across the globe.
Social Media Links:
Moving Spirit Pilates Instagram
Moving Spirit Pilates Facebook
Susannah Steers Instagram