Somatic practices are based on the concept that emotions and experiences can become stored as energy in the body, and result in the physical manifestation of symptoms, such as: fatigue, irritability, muscle tightness or numbness, etc.

Just like still water can become stagnant, so can our bodies if we don’t give ourselves the opportunity or permission to move in a way that feels nourishing, authentic and without agenda.

When is the last time you safely moved or expressed something, simply because it felt innate to do so?

For example, saying, “Ugh! This is HARD!” when we feel challenged by a task, instead of pretending like you’re meant to handle everything with grace and ease. Or, unabashedly hugging a friend out of appreciation for them, instead of refraining from the gesture of affection out of the fear of being “too much”. These are a few of the many ways we may habitually put ourselves in a box. And their unassuming, normalized nature creates a sense of self that is based on conditioning, or what’s deemed socially acceptable.

So why do we do this, when we know that the other option is freedom?

As we move and grow in the world, we learn to adapt, shape or suppress emotions or experiences for reasons that are unique from person to person. Any of the above can occur when we don’t have the capacity, tools, safety or support to process what’s being experienced internally or externally in a nonjudgmental way. Meaning, that even as we mature, we may default to patterns of learned behaviors (even if they’re outdated) to keep us happy, safe, loved or provided for. Some may call this “staying small”.

Mainstream nervous system language may refer to these actions as any of the following responses: flight, fight, fawn or freeze.

And while these behaviors may have served a purpose when we were less able to communicate our needs or feelings, they can become maladaptive if they are continuously defaulted to as we reach our adult years. The same actions of expression that once kept us nurtured can start to limit us.

Sometimes being fully human looks a little messy and vulnerable, but habitually compartmentalizing ourselves disconnects us from our true essence, and from others, which is why making room for simple, somatic practices is essential to our overall well-being.

Here are a few ways you can start to reclaim the dormant parts of yourself through somatic processing:

Say out loud what you want, need and/or feel. Start by naming these to yourself. In your car, when you wake up, or in the mirror. Then if it feels right, start to express it to others, even if it’s just with the intention of being witnessed.

Throw yourself a solo dance party. Put on music that aligns with your current state and move your body accordingly. This may feel clunky, or unnatural at first, but stick with it! Even if you have to chip away some layers or what you think you “should” be doing, this begins to dissolve when you continue to show up for yourself.

Feel the fullness of your emotions. Meaning, when you feel joy, sadness, excitement or anger: allow it. Many times we may have been taught to brace when we feel joy or excitement, or swallow our sadness or anger because it’s “too much”, but guess what? When you refrain from full expression of any of these emotions, there’s a compounding affect that can lead to numbness or fear. And I get it. Sometimes there’s more to unpack, and I encourage you to find the right spaces and resources that can help you initially navigate the terrain of your emotions. Eventually you’ll learn that emotions are just passing energy and are safe to be seen, felt and experienced. And once you do so, you once again land in the neutral, but abundant present moment.

What practices already exist in your life that help you feel more grounded in your body?

Choosing some kind of mindful movement or somatic practice to integrate into your routine can be helpful if you find yourself feeling stuck. By honoring your body’s innate desire to process through movement, you can empower yourself to show up to life with greater lightness, grace and ease.

And we could all use a little more of that!

Somatic Processing: The Gift of Authentic Movement and Expression

Disenfranchised Grief