Meet Cynthia George

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cynthia George. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cynthia below.

Cynthia, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

What a fabulous question. The answer is multifaceted so, I answered this by asking myself some questions to give you a better perspective.

Have there been specific experiences in your life, perhaps from your childhood or early career, that shaped your optimistic outlook?

Nature or Nurture or a combination of both? I’d probably have to say a little of both so a combination. I do believe I was born with a positive outlook or sunny disposition. My nickname growing up was “ lil Cyndi Sunshine”. And then that was nurtured throughout school and athletics. My parents did an incredible job of turning around situations that were no as happy to see the silver lining. So, for instance if I didn’t win a swimming or gymnastic event, they would help me see it wasn’t a bad thing only to show me where I could work harder. If I had a breakup with my boyfriend, they allowed me to see the silver lining and how that actually opened up other opportunities.

Influential People: Are there any mentors, family members, or colleagues who have influenced your positive perspective on life?

I would say the first person outside my family that comes to mind is my third-grade teacher Ms. Marilyn Hart. She met with my parents for parent teacher conference and she told my parents how much she enjoyed having me in class and that my “enthusiasm” was contagious. At the time, that was a big vocabulary word so I asked them what that meant and they told me. People say words matter and they are so correct. I have owned that word ever since Ms. Hart gifted that to me. I have to include on my “positive perspective cheerleading team”, are my sister, my brothers and my daughter. They know me and their counsel helps me to see another side of things that perhaps I didn’t think of before and I appreciate their words of affirmation as much as their “snap out of it” chats.

Daily Practices: Do you have any daily rituals or practices, such as meditation, gratitude journaling, or physical activity, that help you maintain your optimism?

I have about a 25-minute drive to work every day and I take this time to pray the rosary and lift up not only family but my friends and colleagues and my clients. I always ask God to send the Holy Spirit ahead of me to pave the way and allow me to use the gifts that God has given me to help my clients. This is such an incredibly grounding ritual (especially in traffic) and I like to think I’m also helping those I pray for!

Challenges: How do you approach setbacks or challenges? Is there a particular mindset or belief that keeps you focused on the positive?

Being a small business owner, I have months that are incredibly fluid with cash and when the summer heat hits the East Valley and people leave to go to cooler climates, I move into fine-tuning my current program and courses and look for new and innovative classes I can develop. I remind myself that summer is seasonal and will continually reach out to my clients and see how they are doing and touching base with them. I’m going to go back briefly to my third-grade teacher Ms. Hart who stayed in my life and even reached out after my mom passed away. She happened to see the obituary and sent me a note via the funeral home and we even had a chance to chat by phone. Mind you this was over 50 years that I actually had her in class! She has since passed away but her kindness spoke volumes and I want to give that back to my clients and students.

Purpose: Does your work in wellness and movement therapy contribute to your optimism? How does helping others improve their lives affect your own outlook?

Oh my gosh yes, when I see when their chronic pain dissipates from an 8 down to a 2 or 0 that is huge. And when they are able to get up and down from the ground easily that speaks volumes. I become their biggest cheerleader!

Inspiration: Where do you find inspiration—books, quotes, nature, or perhaps your clients’ successes—that fuels your optimistic attitude?

My motto is: Don’t let age or condition dictate what you can or cannot do and Movement is medicine. And when I have down time I am usually “geeking out” on new courses to improve my own therapist toolbox! Never stop learning!!!

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My name is Cynthia George, and I’m the founder of Cynshine® The Healing Space, an international wellness and movement company headquartered in Gilbert, AZ, where I see private clients and specialize in teaching Therapists tools to help their clients overcome chronic pain, improve flexibility, balance, and achieve active, pain-free lifestyles. My journey into this field began with a Physical Education and coaching background and worked with special needs and adapted physical education students along side general population and corporate wellness programming. I have a deep desire to make a real difference in people’s lives, particularly those who have exhausted other avenues without success. My passion lies in integrating a wide array of modalities, such as McLoughlin Scar Tissue Release® (MSTR®), Pilates, NeuroMovement Pilates, Reiki, Assisted Active Isolated Stretching and more, to provide a truly holistic approach to healing.

What’s Special About My Work:

What I find most exciting about my work is the transformation I see in my clients and what my students accomplish after taking my courses and workshops. Many of my personal clients come to me after years of chronic pain or mobility issues, often feeling hopeless. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness their progress as they regain control over their bodies and lives. What sets my practice apart is not falling into providing a simple “cookie cutter” approach be it Pilates yoga or stretching. My dedication to truly listening to each client’s unique story, conducting detailed evaluations, and customizing their treatment plans. I believe in a compassionate, client-centered approach where we work together to achieve lasting results. And when I get the chance to teach my techniques that I have learned to other therapists and watch them flourish – that is super rewarding.

What’s New at Cynshine®:

Currently, I’m focused on expanding my private clientele to help more individuals with conditions such as fibromyalgia, stroke recovery, dystonia, and multiple sclerosis etc. Each of these conditions comes with their own set of contraindications and modifications. Finding out what exactly their body needs on any given day is key. These clients often benefit from multiple sessions per week, and I’m committed to providing them with the tools and support they need to see significant improvements in their quality of life. My goal is to get them to graduate and be self sufficient on their own and perhaps only come back when they need a tune-up.

Additionally, after being asked on several occasions to teach what I do and what comes naturally to me, I’m excited to be offering continuing education courses for movement and health professionals. Currently I teach techniques like McLoughlin Scar Tissue Release® technique, NeuroMovement Instructor MSTR® and my latest workshops that are almost ready for “PRIME TIME” include: Reiki 1, 2 & 3, Active Isolated Stretching for Movement Instructors, and a new workshop on the Energetic side of Scars, which all have the potential to revolutionize their practice and provide immediate relief to their clients. These courses are available both online and in person, making them accessible to a wide audience.

Looking Ahead:

Looking forward, I’m passionate about growing an international community of like-minded professionals who are dedicated to making a real difference in the world of movement and wellness. Whether it’s through my one-on-one sessions or the courses I teach, my goal is to empower others with knowledge and techniques that are effective, affordable, and transformative.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Three Impactful Qualities on My Journey:

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are empathy, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous learning.

1. Empathy:

Empathy has been foundational in my work. Truly listening to my clients with both ears and eyeballs, including—understanding their struggles, fears, and hopes—allows me to create a safe and supportive environment where real healing can begin. It’s not just about the techniques; it’s about connecting with each person on a deeper level. This also included knowing when and when not to treat a client and when to refer out if something is out of my scope of practice.

Advice:

For those early in their journey, start by honing your ability to listen. Collect as much data as you can on any given situation. The better you can understand the people you’re serving, the more effective you’ll be in helping them. Empathy isn’t just a skill; it’s a mindset that will shape every interaction and decision you make. Important to understand as a therapist, you cannot “fix” anyone. They are not broken, just in pain and maybe a little bent emotionally and physically. You can however improve their life and realign body movements and decrease pain, but the real “fixing: comes from them and includes: emotional, physical, nutritional, and spiritual. We are only an antenna. This mindset will take your god-complex out of your work and the magic of your work can just flow through.

2. Perseverance:

Perseverance has been crucial, especially when faced with the challenges of running a business and working with clients who have serious complex, long-standing issues. There were times when progress was slow, or the path wasn’t clear, but staying the course and trusting in the process made all the difference. Surround yourself with mentors in the field who support you and give good counsel.

Advice:

Don’t be afraid of the tough times. They’re part of the journey. Keep going, even when it feels like you’re not making progress. Remember, lasting change takes time, both for you and the people you’re helping. If their body is not “behaving” as you think it should appreciate the journey the choices that their body is making in that moment on that particular day. Their brain chose that for a reason. Rest assured there are changes that are happening below the “surface” that you might not be able to see. I often hear “Im not seeing any changes in my client, ” from my MSTR® students who do not get that WOW result after each client. Remember the body will heal on it’s on timeline and nothing you can do as a therapist can rush that. Take you ego out of the equation.

3. Commitment to Continuous Learning and Niching Down:

I’ve always been committed to expanding my knowledge and skills. The world of wellness and movement is constantly evolving, and I believe it’s essential to stay curious and open to new ideas. This commitment has allowed me to offer the most effective and innovative and sometimes “out-of-the-box” techniques to my clients. Additionally, I learned from my mentor Meghann Koppele Duffy, cofounder of The NeuroStudio, that it’s crucial not to be afraid to niche down. Focusing on a specific area of expertise allows you to become truly exceptional in that field, which has been a game-changer for my business. I do many thing including: Yoga, Pilates and I absolutely love them, but Meghann helped me understand that my Super Power is Addressing Scar Tissue, it totally lights me up and I love teaching it. So, in niching down I developed new workshops to incorporate MSTR®. Stay tuned it is really exciting!

Advice:

There is not one tool or technique that will “magically” fix everything. Stay curious and explore what resonates with you and never stop learning, and don’t be afraid to niche down. Whether it’s through formal education, workshops, or just being open minded to what comes across your path, make a habit of seeking out new knowledge. The more you know and the more focused your expertise, the more you can offer to those you serve. And don’t hesitate to invest in your education—it’s an investment in your future and the success of your clients. I guess a final word here there are many technique rabbit holes a therapist can go down just remember that there is not one tool or technique that will magically fix everything. So, get those techniques down that resonate with you and it’s ok to get rid of those techniques that do not. Find something that you are incredibly good at and do that better than anyone else! Cynthia George

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely! Collaboration is a key part of growth and innovation in the wellness and movement space, and I’m always looking for opportunities to work with like-minded individuals, universities, businesses, and organizations.

1. Universities and Academic Institutions:

Having served as an adjunct professor at both Ohio University and Saint Louis University, I’m particularly interested in continuing to collaborate with academic institutions that have strong programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, kinesiology, or holistic health. I would love to offer specialized courses in McLoughlin Scar Tissue Release® therapy, NeuroMovement practices in collaboration with The NeuroStudio®, integrated exercise and assisted stretching. Universities that are forward-thinking and open to incorporating cutting-edge techniques into their curriculum would be a perfect fit.

2. Businesses and Organizations:

I’m eager to partner with wellness centers, rehabilitation clinics, and holistic health practices that are dedicated to providing comprehensive care to their clients. Businesses that are looking to enhance their services with specialized treatments like McLoughlin Scar Tissue Release® (MSTR®) or NeuroMovement
Principles of the NeuroStudio® would benefit from collaboration. Additionally, I’m open to working with organizations that focus on chronic pain relief, neurological disorders, and holistic wellness.

3. Conferences and Speaking Engagements:

I’m also looking for opportunities to speak at conferences, workshops, and seminars or on podcasts, where I can share my expertise in scar tissue therapy, movement therapy, and holistic healing. Conferences that focus on manual therapy, integrative medicine, rehabilitation, and health and wellness are ideal. I’m passionate about educating professionals on how to effectively incorporate these techniques into their practice to improve client outcomes.

If you’re aligned with these areas and are as passionate about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the wellness industry as I am, I’d love to explore how we can work together to make a meaningful impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cynshine.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyndigeorge_cynshine/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MiCynshine
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyndigeorge/
• Twitter: https://x.com/Cynthia57615420
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cyndi_george_cynshine

Image Credits

Christine Lowell Photography