Don’t Stop Believin’: Daniel’s Path to Recovery

A Remarkable Family

I had no idea that saying "yes" to Daniel's request last October would lead me into a journey that would forever change my life. I've been embraced by a family so genuine and loving that they now feel like my own.

If I didn't already have a life I love, I could see myself living the life they embody. This nearly self-sufficient family of seven lives on a homestead with cows, chickens, a garden, four cats, and a dog. 

The five home-schooled children are each radiant in their individuality, growing up in a space of peace, joy, connection, and mutual respect. I don't think I've ever slept so well or felt so grounded. I'm honored to be welcomed at any time, always received with open arms and open hearts.

Background & Challenges

This visit marked the third time I've worked with Daniel—three days of deep, focused connection. To recap, on November 21, 2023, Daniel was in a life-altering car accident that resulted in a third-degree axonal brain injury, impacting his cognition and speech. He also suffered a fractured right clavicle, which severely limited the use and viability of his right arm and hand.

From his perspective, his three most significant challenges are:

• The inability to use his right hand with dexterity and efficiency

• The inability to run

• Difficulty with speech

Our Journey Together

My first visit with Daniel was in October 2024—nearly a year post-injury. We began with a body that was frozen and full of limitations. I shared that experience in a blog following our initial three days together. I returned in December 2024, continuing his journey of recovery, which you can also refer to here. 

This latest visit, which I'm reflecting on now during my travels home, took place from May 1 to May 4, 2025—beginning on his 23rd birthday.

Visible Progress

Five months had passed since our last intensive, and I wasn't sure what to expect. I was thrilled to find that he had not only maintained the changes from our last session, but had progressed—despite the ongoing challenge of a brain injury that diminishes his drive for self-care. I know I am currently working with someone who isn't yet able to "do the work" independently—but even so, his body continues to respond and evolve.

Day 2: Deeper Release

Day two began with another tongue release. Together with Daniel and his mother Leah—my soul sister—we performed the technique while listening to Journey's Don't Stop Believin'. The music served as both inspiration and distraction as we maintained intraoral pressure to release the tongue (see the accompanying video for the technique).

That afternoon, we took advantage of the warm weather and moved outside, where I spent two hours working on his shoulder and right arm/hand. Due to the clavicle fracture, there are significant adhesions running through his armpit, ribcage, and into the hand. On day one, I'd asked him to raise his arm and filmed the attempt—I'm sharing that footage here.

Celebrating Small Victories

One of the unique aspects of working with a brain injury is that while those around him can clearly see the changes, Daniel himself doesn't always register them. Still, he noted that—for the first time—he was able to extend his right hand without his fingers curling. That's a huge step forward in reclaiming dexterity. 

Also, he stated "I have made a lot of progress." When asking him what he was referring to, he mentioned that a year ago when he was assembling a Lego version of a motorbike, he couldn't do it without the help of his brother. He recently completed a much more challenging bike (over 2000 pieces) on his own. I made sure he said that out loud to his Mom!

Working with Trust

Later that day, we shifted our focus to his throat and head. This time, I was amazed at how gracefully he handled the intensity of the work. Our first session had been limited by fear and the pain it triggered. By the second, trust had grown. This third session opened a whole new level of surrender. With the breath as our anchor, I was able to access much deeper restrictions. His willingness allowed for a profound release. 

Our goal was not only to improve his speech, but also to open more flow to the brain. I'm continuously fascinated by fascia and how trauma imprints patterns in the body and mind. While his diagnosis suggests he may never return to his previous life, I hold a different truth in my heart. Daniel's journey is my opportunity to challenge those limitations and reveal what is possible.

Discover what Matters Most

I had assumed speech was his next greatest frustration, but as we walked on day two, he told me what he missed most: running. I hadn't realized this, as his gait had improved so much. But this is a young man who once decided to teach himself to do a standing backflip—and succeeded the same day. To go from that kind of physical mastery to movements resembling those of an elderly man is, understandably, heartbreaking. It was a powerful reminder not to make assumptions.

Day 3: Integration

Day three began again with Don't Stop Believin' and the tongue release. Then I worked on his back—an area I hadn't had time to address during the previous visits. I knew that tightness in this region was preventing proper pelvic motion and contributing to his difficulty running. After releasing this area, I noticed a beautiful shift in his overall alignment.

We continued with work on his foot and leg, followed by conscious walking training. There is still a long way to go, but he was able to walk with more ease and a noticeable spring in his step. It's a promising beginning.

Exponential Healing

In the afternoon, I returned to his shoulder and throat. This time felt magical. The accumulation of releases and his now-deeper breath created exponential effects throughout his fascia. I spent an hour on the shoulder, arm, and hand, then devoted another 90 minutes to his neck and head. The changes felt as though they were penetrating more deeply into his brain, offering another level of healing. We ended the day physically exhausted but emotionally uplifted, enjoying a beautiful evening with the family.

Final Reflections

As I write this, I'm once again on my journey home, reflecting on a powerful three days. We began our final morning with our familiar routine: tongue release and Don't Stop Believin', followed by a video of Daniel saying, "Today is my birthday." The improvement from day one was tangible. I also documented his progress with before-and-after photos and a video of his shoulder's range of motion.

Leaving was bittersweet. I am committed to Daniel and his family. I will continue walking beside him until he is able to take full ownership of his healing journey. I believe—with unwavering certainty—that he will regain all that was lost and become a beacon of hope for others. His story will illuminate the body's incredible capacity to heal, and inspire others to challenge the limits they've been given.

To all who are walking this path of self-care and healing: thank you. Every individual who embraces their power to heal plants a flag in the ground—a declaration that cannot be uprooted. 

Yes, we must seek support from others at times, but we are also deeply capable of healing from within. When we accept that truth and live from it, life becomes a continually unfolding source of inspiration and creation.

Breathe & Believe,

Deanna