How Somatic Practices Changed My Life.

In today's world, where stress and anxiety seem to be a constant, the importance of returning to the body is more evident than ever. There is an epidemic of undernourished women walking the earth at this time.

Women who are in deficit, depletion, and undernourished, which leads to women experiencing life disembodied, disconnected, and disempowered.

Somatic practices have been an antidote within my own personal healing journey. I have experienced profound shifts in my body awareness and ability to regulate through activating situations in life.

Somatic practices, rooted in ancient traditions and modern research, offer a profound way to reconnect with our bodies. They offer space to be with the body, connect mind and body as one, release separation and ground deeply into the felt sense of being a human.

This blog delves into my world and the world of somatic practices, how they have contributed to my overall well-being, and how they may contribute to yours.

Understanding Somatic Practices:

Somatic practices involve exploration of the body, focusing on sensations, movements, and breath. Unlike traditional practices and therapies that concentrate solely on the physical body or mind, somatic practices emphasise the mind-body connection, encouraging you to become more attuned to your body’s signals and responses through felt sense.

Benefits of Somatic Practices:

Calming the system: Somatic practices like yoga, tai chi, and qigong incorporate gentle movements and deep breathing, promoting relaxation and reducing stress hormones in the body.

Improved Body Awareness: By paying close attention to bodily sensations and movements, you develop a heightened awareness of your physical self, leading to a greater understanding of your body’s needs.

Emotional Regulation: Somatic practices provide a safe space to explore and process emotions that might be stored in the body, facilitating emotional release and regulation.

Enhanced Flexibility and Mobility: Unlike high-intensity workouts, somatic practices focus on fluid movements that gently stretch and strengthen muscles, leading to improved flexibility and mobility.

Bring together the mind and the body: Somatic practices cultivate a strong connection between the mind and body, promoting a sense of unity and alignment that can positively impact overall mental health.

Popular Somatic Practices:

Yoga: A centuries-old practice that combines physical postures, breath control, and meditation to promote balance and well-being.

Tai Chi: A Chinese martial art characterised by slow, flowing movements that enhance relaxation, balance, and vitality.

Qigong: An ancient Chinese practice involving coordinated breath, movement, and meditation to cultivate and balance the body's vital energy.

Feldenkrais Method: A movement-based practice that focuses on improving body awareness and function through slow, deliberate movements.

Alexander Technique: A practice aimed at improving posture and movement patterns, leading to reduced tension and increased ease of motion.

How I Incorporate Somatic Practices into Daily Life:

I begin my day with some gentle breathing, stretching and waking up. I often go outside in the garden to receive the morning sunlight. I use dry brushing on my body to support my circulation and lymph and often add in some gentle shaking. I feel pretty awake after this and ready for breakfast.

Gentle movement throughout my day supports my body. I work very deeply with my clients so it is vital that I support myself too. I walk daily through the forest and in nature around my hole. This offers a gentle rhythm and allows me to process the day’s energy or any emotions I may be with.

Here are some gentle simple practices that you can begin with:

Mindful Movement: Start your day with a few minutes of gentle stretching or yoga to center yourself before the rush begins.

Breathing Exercises: Incorporate deep breathing exercises throughout the day to stay grounded and reduce stress.

Moment of Stillness: Take short breaks to sit quietly and tune into your body's sensations, fostering body awareness and presence.

Regular Practice: Dedicate time each week to a specific somatic practice of your choice, whether it's a yoga class or a tai chi session.

Body Scan Meditation: Before bedtime, engage in a body scan meditation to release tension and promote relaxation

In a world dominated by external distractions and demands, somatic practices offer me a powerful avenue for self-care and nourishment. By nurturing the mind-body connection and cultivating a deep awareness of my physical self I have welcomed in a greater sense of presence and spaciousness within.

I feel I am able to release anxiety and worry from the body which has in turn aided me with better digestion and overall health. I have improved my lymph and detox pathways and find myself having an amazing sleep.

Somatic awareness, meditation and awakening the bodies sense curiosity are deeply rooted into my work and offerings to women. This enables them to feel safe in their own body and skin, held, grounded, and cultivate capacity for their lives.

I welcome you on a journey into your body to relax and unwind your inner world and your woven tapestry to explore with curiosity and to soften deeper into your being. You can read more about the tapestry of the body here

with love,

Rebecca x