Guest Blog Post From Ginkgo Collective's First Event

Our next guest blog post comes from Jennifer Kerwick, thank you so much!

Spent the day diving into polyvagal theory at a beautiful event run by my friend Mary Walsh who is one of the founders of Ginkgo Collective.

So much to take in about how our nervous system shapes the way we feel, connect, and move through the world — genuinely fascinating.

As someone in the fitness industry (JKFitnessTower), it really reinforced something I truly believe : exercise isn’t just about weight loss and appearance. Movement is one of the most accessible ways we have to regulate our nervous system — whether it’s helping discharge stress, come out of that “fight or flight” state, or gently bring us out of shutdown.

The right kind of movement at the right time can shift your state completely — from anxious to grounded, from low energy to more present. It’s not always about pushing harder, sometimes it’s about tuning in and giving your body what it actually needs.

When I spoke at the conference I felt nervous. Brendan encouraged me to stamp my feet to trick my brain into thinking I was running away. It was fight or flight and it definitely relaxed me and made total sense.

We also got to experience music therapy with the fabulous Anna Mitchell — What a fantastic experience.

Another focus of the conference was about being part of a collective or group, which helps us feel safe. When we all sang together I really did feel part of something. That sense of belonging had a profound effect on me and the group. Again going back to my own industry, I feel it is better to train as a group for motivation, accountability & a sense of community.

I left feeling calmer, more aware, and even more passionate about creating spaces where movement is about feeling better, not just looking a certain way.