Prov Blog | Calum Stronach
This month we talk to Calum, therapist by day and founder of The Uncommon Bloke and The Uncommon Woman. The Uncommon Groups have become an impactful and regular monthly staple at the ProvSpace Studio, cultivating a welcoming and safe space to connect with others and be with ourselves.
When it comes to creating communal spaces, we have a number of values in common with Calum so, we were eager to find out what inspires him…
“Hey, I’m Calum, founder of The Uncommon Bloke and The Uncommon Woman.”
“After working in elite sport, helping Olympians and other athletes with eating disorders and body image issues, I set up my private practice here in North Wales to help people with a range of challenges.”
We asked Calum what motivates him in his work and as a member of his community. Why did Prov resonate with his mission?
“Providero was the perfect space to escape and get to work.”
“One of my favourite quotes is, ‘until we make the subconscious conscious, it will control our life.’ This is the idea that within our subconscious mind, there are forces that contribute to our anxiety, depression or simply the way we eat, drink, sleep and interact with the world. So, what motivates me is creating spaces, practices and tools that give people the opportunity each month to explore themselves and expand their life whilst feeling part of a community.”
Community, connection and shared rituals are clearly integral to The Uncommon Groups and your wider work. Why do you think they’re important?
“I wouldn’t say they’re important, I’d say they’re necessary and can be found anywhere. At the gym, in your social circles, your family or purposeful spaces like The Uncommon Groups. Any space where all parts of you are welcome and loved - the parts that naturally shine and really contribute to the world but also our humanity too.”
When we’ve caught up with individuals that have made The Uncommon Groups a part of their monthly routine, the impact they’re having is clear. Community, acceptance and exploration is undeniably nurtured in the space that you’re creating but what is the purpose behind developing these tools and practices?
“The ultimate goal is freedom and connection. Whilst being supported and safe in our community, we can practice being vulnerable within ourselves and in time, this allows us freedom to bring love to all parts of ourselves.”
Shared rituals are everywhere; your morning coffees, brunch catch ups, monthly Run Clubs. Shared rituals play an integral part in the Coffeehouse. Do hot drink rituals play a part in what you do?
“100%. We often bring cacao into our groups for everyone ahead of the session and our community will often arrange coffee get togethers at Prov. Connecting in this way is just as important.
Do you have a hot drinks ritual?
“I’ll be honest, hot drinks aren’t my forte. I love my cold brew after meditation in the morning. After those two things, I feel like my day has started”
“I only have one coffeehouse order - an iced black americano with extra ice. You cannot beat it!”
Our first appreciation for cold brew in our Prov Blog instalments and we’re very here for it, it’ll definitely kickstart a morning. Solid coffee rituals, cold or hot, no discriminating here.
Lastly, what is something people might not know about you?
“In the name of honesty and vulnerability, in the past I’ve completed numerous fitness challenges, but I used these physical challenges as a way to run away from myself, trying to prove my “enoughness”. Recently, I completed an ironman and a 110-mile run, but this time during the process I ran towards myself, celebrating who I am.”
You can book The Uncommon Bloke and The Uncommon Woman monthly sessions through our Events Calendar and follow The Uncommon Groups on Instagram.
Towards the end of Summer, Calum will be running mixed groups and day retreats that extend out of the studio, to keep up to date with upcoming events, sessions and news, head to Calum’s Instagram, Facebook or website.
If you enjoyed this month’s instalment of Prov Blog, then check out last month’s blog with Paula from Happy Yoga Wales.
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