“A living body is not a fixed thing but a flowing event.
— Alan Watts
The term Somatics is derived from the Latin word soma, meaning "the living body." Somatics is an approach to experiencing the full intelligence of our body and the subtle conversation of our subconscious in order to access our potential and support a deep inner process of healing. From a Somatic perspective, healing is the processes of returning to our experience of wholeness.
Somatic movements are slow gentle movements that anyone can do, no matter your mobility or fitness levels. There is no right or wrong way of 'doing' the movements, instead the movements are led by simple suggestions to focus on a particular body part and 'see' or 'feel' how that part moves in a particular way. Noticing if there is smooth movement and comfort, or uneven jerky movement and discomfort, is a way of listening to the body and allowing it to release old, unhelpful movement patterns, that are often a result of held physical , mental or emotional stress. Eventually finding more ease and efficiency within the muscles and joints of one’s body, or bringing consciousness into one’s experience of their own body.
“Feeling comfortable in one’s skin and perfectly at home in one’s element is perhaps the most important dimension of happiness.
— Dr. Paul Wong
This felt sense of self, also known as Embodiment, leads to an experience of being comfortable in one’s own skin and therefore able to engage with life more fully.
Ultimately this facilitates:
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self-awareness
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boundaries
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self-esteem
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emotional regulation
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empathy
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enhanced cognitive processing
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body related self confidence
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a greater sense of self-control
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enhanced intuition
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and a feeling interconnected with others and the environment.
Somatics help us to step into and sustain a state of flow
“Feeling comfortable in one’s skin and perfectly at home in one’s element is perhaps the most important dimension of happiness.
— Dr. Paul Wong
Mind, Body, and Spirit are one, each individual is already whole, and addressing the obstructions getting in the way of that wholeness leads to well-being.
On a therapeutic level, Somatic sessions can help:
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Release habitual patterns
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Enhance self-awareness and self-reflection
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Address injury through bio-mechanical education
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Identify your strengths and weaknesses
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Accesses and recognize subtle communication happening between the subconscious and conscious
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Support the completion of unprocessed biological and psychological thoughts, feelings, and memories through the use of movement as a way of expressing inner experiences
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Support spiritual inquiry as a felt sense of meaning and purpose
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Release tension through various tissues and systems of the body to enhance physiological function
My Somatic Training qualifications:
Somatic Movement Education coach – Align Somatics 2017
Somatic Movement Teacher Training -Radiant Star Yoga Training 2019
Somatic Yoga Training (Soma & Psych modules)- Eleanor Criswell - 2021
I hold one to one Somatic lessons, and also teach monthly workshops
Please get in touch for more information
Here is a short 'Soma Scan' practice. Lay down on your back on the floor, rest your eyes and take 2minutes to tune into your body's feeling awareness