The Body Knows: HealingThrough Somatic Awareness
The Body's Silent Language
Our bodies constantly send us messages. These aren't random aches and pains but valuable insights into our emotional state.
When your shoulders slump, remembering harsh words from a boss, or your stomach knots awaiting a cancer screening report, your body is expressing fear. This tension is an emotional reaction, asking for compassion and understanding. It recalls moments when you felt powerless.
These physical reactions aren't inconveniences to ignore—they're gateways to deeper understanding and growth. We can address the underlying experiences shaping our responses to the world by tuning into these sensations.
Somatic Coaching: Turning Towards, Not Away
Somatic coaching encourages us to:
Notice: Become aware of physical sensations without judgment.
Describe: Put words to what you're feeling in your body without replaying the memory.
Explore: Investigate the quality and intensity of the sensations without letting fear overwhelm you.
Allow: Give permission for the feelings to be present.
Imagine: Use our imagination to create new neural pathways and sensations of safety in the body.
Cultivate: Foster a sense of peace to experience joy and positive sensations in body and mind.
This process helps unlock potential and overcome obstacles that have become "stuck" in the body.
Movement and Body Awareness
Mindful movement is critical in somatic coaching. You'll explore practices blending cutting-edge neuroscience with sensory awareness and functional movement, all designed to regulate your nervous system. This might involve gentle stretches, balance exercises, free movement, or other forms of embodied exploration.
These exercises aren't just about moving; they're about listening to your body's stored emotions and memories. Moving mindfully can release deep-seated tension, boosting your energy and overall well-being.
This approach helps bring unresolved experiences to light, allowing you to process and release stored tension. Through guided exploration of physical sensations, you'll learn to tune into your body's wisdom, gradually letting go of trapped energy from past experiences.
From Tension to Breakthrough: An Example
Chris, an executive, struggled with imposter syndrome. He'd feel his throat tight in meetings, making it hard to speak up. His somatic coach guided him to pay attention to this sensation.
As Chris focused on the feeling, he realized it connected to childhood memories of being told to "be seen and not heard." This tension was his body remembering moments of feeling powerless. By acknowledging this and working with the physical sensation, Chris learned to offer himself compassion. Over time, he became more confident, contributing insights without the throat tightness holding him back.
Practical Somatic Techniques
Body Check-In: Regularly pause to notice how your body feels, especially in challenging situations.
Grounding: Use your senses to anchor yourself in the present moment.
Compassionate Touch: Offer gentle, soothing touch to areas of tension in your body.
Breathwork: Use conscious breathing to regulate your nervous system and calm fears.
Whole-Body Engagement: Connect to safety by engaging your entire body, tuning into physical sensations and movements to foster a sense of security and groundedness within yourself.
The Ripple Effect of Somatic Awareness
As we attune to our bodies, honoring their messages with compassion, we often experience:
Improved emotional intelligence
Enhanced self-awareness
Better stress management
More authentic self-expression
By respecting our body's wisdom, we open pathways to personal and professional growth beyond traditional coaching methods.
Remember, the goal isn't to eliminate discomfort—it's to develop a new, compassionate relationship with it. Through somatic practices, we learn that our bodies aren't obstacles but allies offering valuable emotional insights on our journey to self-understanding and growth.
Schedule an appointment with Victoria.
