Somatic Bodywork: The Intersection of Thinking, Being & Experiencing

Let’s talk about it.  

How connected are you to your mind-body? And what exactly is the soma anyway? In today's fast paced society where stress and tension seem to be constant companions, finding holistic approaches to develop ease in your body is becoming increasingly important. With so many things being an instantly gratifying road to contentment, we are losing touch with the core of our being. One approach that has gained recognition for its profound benefits, over time, is somatic bodywork. Unlike conventional massage therapy, or psychotherapy, somatic bodywork delves deeper into the mind-body connection while recognizing that your tissues store memories - offering a unique pathway to healing and self-discovery. 

The intersection of thinking, being and experiencing is essentially the activation of the soma. 

When you are perceiving your body from within, first hand, you are experiencing the soma.  Rather than viewing the body as a collection of parts or from a third person point of view. The soma is the unification of how we experience our lived-in story, our emotions, and our physical beings.  

The body keeps the score. 

Somatic bodywork is a therapeutic modality that focuses on the relationship between the mind and the body. Rooted in the belief that physical sensations, emotions, and past experiences are intricately interconnected, somatic bodywork aims to release tension and trauma stored in the body, thereby promoting overall well-being.  Increasing somatic awareness involves cultivating a deeper connection with your body and  paying attention to the physical sensations, emotions, and energy present within you. 

Here are some practices to help you enhance your somatic awareness: 

Mindful Breathing

Take time each day to engage in mindful breathing exercises. Pay attention to the sensations of the breath as it enters and leaves your body. Notice how your abdomen rises and falls with each breath, and observe any sensations or emotions that arise. 

Body Scan Meditation

Practice body scan meditation to systematically bring awareness to each part of your body. Start at the top of your head and slowly move down to your toes, noticing any areas of tension, discomfort, or relaxation. Allow yourself to fully experience each  sensation without judgment. 

Sensory Awareness

Heighten your sensory awareness by consciously exploring your  surroundings using your senses. Take time to notice the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and  textures around you. Allow yourself to fully immerse in the present moment and experience the  richness of each sensation. 

Journaling

Keep a somatic awareness journal where you can reflect on your experiences  and observations. Write down any physical sensations, emotions, or insights that arise  throughout the day. Use this practice as a way to deepen your understanding of your body and  mind.

Movement Practices

Engage in mindful movement practices such as yoga, tai chi, or qigong. These practices encourage you to tune into the sensations of your body as you move  through different postures and sequences. Pay attention to how each movement feels and the subtle shifts in energy throughout your body. 

 
Conclusion

By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can gradually enhance your somatic awareness and deepen your connection with your body. Remember to approach these practices with curiosity, openness, and compassion towards yourself. Don’t be afraid to go deeper. You may have big feelings come up as you move into this work,  or you may feel nothing at all. The key is to continue on. Minimizing, numbing and dissociating from our sensations are common responses to difficult life experiences. Remember your “story”. 

Developing your somatic awareness through sensations and honoring the deepest wisdom of your body, you will create a landscape that is deeper connected to yourself, others and the world around us. Whether you're seeking relief from chronic pain, looking to reduce stress, or simply longing for a greater sense of well-being, somatic bodywork brings us to the present  moment in our bodies - giving us more access to transformation and renewal.

About the Author

In her experience of honoring therapeutic touch and practicing the art of mindful movement, Tianna is often overjoyed to unearth new and fruitful ways to help clients and students take root into their bodies. Tianna is a Certified Massage Therapist, who specializes in nurturing the perinatal body and somatic experiences.  She is also a Certified Postpartum Doula and finds solace in providing birthing and postpartum care to birthing people and their families. Tianna also centers mindful movement in session, as she is a certified yoga instructor and empowers her clients through the exploration of body movement. She dubs herself the "seasoned novice", as a reminder that this work is fueled by curiosity and play, our bodies being the wonderful landscapes we are gifted to embark on! 

Tap into the sensations of your body. Somatic Wellness is a holistic approach to healing and well-being that focuses on the mind-body connection. This type of therapeutic modality aims to help individuals release stored tension, trauma, and emotional stress through techniques such as body movement, mindfulness, and breath work. By tapping into the body's innate wisdom and intelligence, somatic wellness can help individuals improve their physical, emotional, and mental health. Discover the transformative power of somatic wellness and start your journey towards a more balanced and vibrant life. This may look like, but is not limited to, self-massage instruction, breath work, artwork, intuitive body movement, and more! Somatic Wellness is offered by Tianna Barr.