My name is Jayanika (pronounced Jayani-ka) Lawrence (she/they).

I am a creative. A plant person. Queer. Nepali and white. I was raised on the island of Guåhan, home of the CHamoru peoples. I practice somatics, at the confluence of reverence and play, to bring about a more just and loving world. I live and practice in Portland, OR on unceded lands of the Multnomah, Kathlamet, Chinook and other nations of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Rhonde. 

Jadi Buti is a Nepali word translating to Earth/plant medicine. Jade Buti is named after the power in deep listening and efforts to honor the rhythms of our bodies and the earth.

I cultivate structures, cultures and relationships that center reciprocity and harmony with living. In my practice I uphold the principle of, “inafa’ maolek (pronounced e-na-fah mao-lek) a CHamoru concept of restoring harmony or order, to “make good”. I believe healing our trauma transforms ways that white supremacy, patriarchy and domination culture have shaped our bodies and life experiences.

Embodiment work integrates somatics, energy work, liberatory practice, mindfulness and plant medicine. I co-create a judgement free container where you can invite your own healing to thrive.

I honor and support the core human needs of safety, belonging, dignity and purpose.

Formal Training & Experience:

Jayanika has over a decade of experience as a practitioner of somatics and mindfulness. Lineages they have studied with include:

  • Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) certification from the Somatic Experiencing Training Institute, founded by Dr. Peter Levine. With faculty Efu Nyaki, Francine Kelly & Dea Parsanishi

  • Generative Somatics: SOEL and T1 & T2 with Chris Lymbertos, Liu Hoi-Man, Vassi Johri, Adaku Utah, Hilary Moore, adrienne maree brown, & Spenta Kandawalla 

  • Strozzi Institute: Somatics, Trauma and Resilience with Staci Haines 

  • Under The Eagle’s Wing Intuitive Healing Program Apprenticeship with Shayne Case

  • Practitioner of Transformative Energy Work & Apprenticeship with Kenneth Jover

  • Accessible and Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Training at Unfold Yoga & Meditation Studio

  • Mindfulness Mentor Cloud Sangha with Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield

  • BA degree from The Evergreen State College focus on Political Economy and Decolonial Movements

Jayanika has participated in over 200 hours of individual and group supervision in somatic experiencing, yoga, and energy work modalities.

As embodied beings, we live in a natural state of embodied engagement. Capitalism distorts our relationship to this birthright, often severing our own authentic somatic experience. Jayanika approached their somatic studies as a path toward their own healing. The outcome of their engagement with this modality was profound and it inspired them to hold space for collaborative healing with others, especially people seeking to connect with their bodies.

She is grateful to and inspired by the work of Alexis Pauline Gumbs, Aurora Levins Morales, Julian Aguon and Audre Lorde.