Embracing Self-Love: Insights from Michal Bardavid, Author & Dance Movement Therapist
- Early love for dance, starting with ballet at age five
- Discovered dance movement therapy as a scientific discipline
Podcast
Overview
In this insightful episode of “The Brand Called You,” host Ashutosh Garg sits down with Michal Bardavid, a dance and movement therapist, journalist, and author of Becoming a Peacock: Strut Your Way Into Self-Love. Recorded from Istanbul, Turkey, this candid conversation dives into self-worth, resilience, overcoming external validation, and celebrating authenticity.
00:00:44- What drew Michal Bardavid to both journalism and dance movement therapy?
- Early love for dance, starting with ballet at age five
- Discovered dance movement therapy as a scientific discipline
- Felt a strong connection to people through movement
- Entry into journalism after realizing her comfort with interviews and media
00:02:28- How did reporting on conflict affect her understanding of human emotion and resilience?
- Witnessed raw human emotion in conflict zones
- Learned about the depth of human resilience
- Saw how people adapt and connect even in adversity
00:03:12- How does Michal balance creative therapy with high-pressure journalism?
- Describes dance movement therapy as “feminine, spiritual, reflective”
- Journalism is “analytical, grounded in reality”
- Finds personal balance by embracing both worlds, reflecting and staying grounded
00:04:07- What inspired Michal to write Becoming a Peacock?
- Teaching dance movement therapy for 15 years highlighted a universal lack of self-love education
- Quotes graffiti: “So many years of education and nobody taught us how to love ourselves.”
- Book aims to share self-love lessons more widely
00:05:19- Why is the peacock a central metaphor in the book?
- The peacock’s beauty is revealed when it chooses to display its feathers
- Symbolizes knowing your worth yet remaining humble
- Encourages self-appreciation while supporting others to shine
00:06:58- How does self-actualization relate to self-worth?
- Draws from Maslow: Self-esteem is foundational to reaching self-actualization
- Without self-love, people won’t chase their dreams or embrace their authentic selves
00:08:03- Why do people rely on external validation for self-worth?
- Upbringing and societal conditioning teach worthiness is conditional
- True love and worth are unconditional, rooted in authenticity
00:09:07- How has Michal’s approach to rejection changed over time?
- Previously internalized rejection as personal failure
- Now sees rejection as a mismatch, rather than a reflection of her own worth
- Maintains emotional center and self-acceptance despite setbacks
00:10:21- What lessons does she draw from professional failures?
- Shares story of opening (and failing at) a dance therapy studio
- Learned empowerment comes from trying and learning
- Failure does not equate to lack of worth or strength
00:11:25- Why is authenticity difficult for many people?
- Fear of not being accepted for one’s true self
- Suppressing authenticity leads to unhappiness
- Authentic connections are deeper and more fulfilling
RESOURCES:
Learn more about Michal Bardavid: LinkedIn
Enjoyed this podcast?
“A peacock knows its worth.” Too often, we attach our value to validation from parents, peers, or society. Michal reminds us that you deserve love simply for being you. Share your thoughts in the comments and spread these insights with friends!
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Profile
- Early love for dance, starting with ballet at age five
- Discovered dance movement therapy as a scientific discipline
- Felt a strong connection to people through movement
- Entry into journalism after realizing her comfort with interviews and media
