If you can read this article, you are a human possessing a body. Most perceive our bodies as limbs, organs, and a solid physical structure. Our physical health is asserted as being located in our bodies and determines whether we are sick or well or in pain. Additionally, the size and shape of our bodies dictate narratives, arousing labels, judgments, and behaviors.
We often hear of trauma being "stuck in our bodies" and think that there is an extreme, cathartic process that takes place when undergoing body-centered therapy, i.e., Somatic Therapy. You may have heard of Somatic Experiencing and Hakomi, the more mainstream varieties. Many seek out these therapies to "remove or unblock trauma" as if it is an unwanted, vilified parasite, and we are inadequate until we do so. Similarly, we often judge ourselves or can be labeled by others as being stuck, tense, dissociative, or "not in our bodies." Many Somatic and other therapists suggest that the client "must get in their body" to be doing effective therapy. Outside influences often permeate, shrouding these concepts in shame and all-or-nothing dichotomies.
We often hear of trauma being "stuck in our bodies" and think that there is an extreme, cathartic process that takes place when undergoing body-centered therapy, i.e., Somatic Therapy. You may have heard of Somatic Experiencing and Hakomi, the more mainstream varieties. Many seek out these therapies to "remove or unblock trauma" as if it is an unwanted, vilified parasite, and we are inadequate until we do so. Similarly, we often judge ourselves or can be labeled by others as being stuck, tense, dissociative, or "not in our bodies." Many Somatic and other therapists suggest that the client "must get in their body" to be doing effective therapy. Outside influences often permeate, shrouding these concepts in shame and all-or-nothing dichotomies.
Ironically, in my practice, I often invite clients to notice what it is like to validate and explore NOT wanting to be in their bodies. Guess what? Regardless of who you are, what you have been through, and whether you care to go within your body, your body is an absolute powerhouse of genius and resource. Many of us have had experiences causing us to vacate our body's premises so we don't have to feel or remember painful or traumatic occurrences. Do you realize how smart you were/are for adopting such strategies when faced with zero alternatives, supportive relationships, or coping abilities?
To truly understand and experience the therapeutic benefits of Somatic Therapy, we must uphold a compassionate view toward ourselves. Anything we seek as a healing modality is only an ally when we approach ourselves with an attitude of "All that we are and have endured vs. what we lack and must become to be enough." For example, as you are reading this, there is probably some part of your body that can offer a sense of calm. It may be the feeling of your fingertip touching your thumb. It could be the feeling of the center of your foot making contact with the floor. Consequently, you may notice that your body is tense and constricted, and you are not interested in exploring it any further. This is equally fantastic! Your inner wisdom says, "No thanks, I am good." Here is the voice of your body's boundaries. How amazing you are for asserting yourself!
Sometimes, pain and tension are the body's way of protecting you from something and, since you are not inseparable from your body, you are protecting yourself, which means you are a total badass who knows what's up! This voice of inner intelligence prevails, exists, and is untouchable despite all your suffering! Making contact with this IS therapy and is necessary before following the methodology or instructions someone delivers. We must learn to trust our inner voice first! Let's see what it says about how we wish to approach our bodies. Conveniently, this is how we begin the practice of eradicating self-doubt. Of course, the format and methodologies of many somatic therapies are hugely valuable, but not at the expense of your truth, intuition, needs, and intricate trajectory, which only you are aware of.
So, are you curious about Somatic Therapy? Feel free to start your own self-guided practice! Find a comfortable, peaceful place for your body to rest. Tune inward. First, notice whether you care to open or close your eyes. Again, this is your authentic, intelligence speaking. Follow it. Ask it to lead you where it wants to go, to feel safe, held, and, most importantly, loved by you. Notice if you WANT to take deep breaths or not. There is no need to choose one or the other; follow your lead. Notice if any part of your body says "Hell no" or "Hell Yes." Both are perfect! Witness where you are tense, in pain, sad, angry, numb, joyous, hungry, or anything else. Notice if any of these emotions or parts of your body call for your attention. Notice if they want no recognition. Always respect your need to back off or not go somewhere that does not feel safe. You have been through enough in your life. It is your turn to call the shots! Here, you are practicing Somatic Therapy rooted in your impenetrable wisdom, using your inner voice as your guide.
Designing your newly constructed, somatically aware foundation offers you an invaluable resource bathed in compassion and cleansed of shame to traverse the topography of life using the compass of your virtuosity.
To truly understand and experience the therapeutic benefits of Somatic Therapy, we must uphold a compassionate view toward ourselves. Anything we seek as a healing modality is only an ally when we approach ourselves with an attitude of "All that we are and have endured vs. what we lack and must become to be enough." For example, as you are reading this, there is probably some part of your body that can offer a sense of calm. It may be the feeling of your fingertip touching your thumb. It could be the feeling of the center of your foot making contact with the floor. Consequently, you may notice that your body is tense and constricted, and you are not interested in exploring it any further. This is equally fantastic! Your inner wisdom says, "No thanks, I am good." Here is the voice of your body's boundaries. How amazing you are for asserting yourself!
Sometimes, pain and tension are the body's way of protecting you from something and, since you are not inseparable from your body, you are protecting yourself, which means you are a total badass who knows what's up! This voice of inner intelligence prevails, exists, and is untouchable despite all your suffering! Making contact with this IS therapy and is necessary before following the methodology or instructions someone delivers. We must learn to trust our inner voice first! Let's see what it says about how we wish to approach our bodies. Conveniently, this is how we begin the practice of eradicating self-doubt. Of course, the format and methodologies of many somatic therapies are hugely valuable, but not at the expense of your truth, intuition, needs, and intricate trajectory, which only you are aware of.
So, are you curious about Somatic Therapy? Feel free to start your own self-guided practice! Find a comfortable, peaceful place for your body to rest. Tune inward. First, notice whether you care to open or close your eyes. Again, this is your authentic, intelligence speaking. Follow it. Ask it to lead you where it wants to go, to feel safe, held, and, most importantly, loved by you. Notice if you WANT to take deep breaths or not. There is no need to choose one or the other; follow your lead. Notice if any part of your body says "Hell no" or "Hell Yes." Both are perfect! Witness where you are tense, in pain, sad, angry, numb, joyous, hungry, or anything else. Notice if any of these emotions or parts of your body call for your attention. Notice if they want no recognition. Always respect your need to back off or not go somewhere that does not feel safe. You have been through enough in your life. It is your turn to call the shots! Here, you are practicing Somatic Therapy rooted in your impenetrable wisdom, using your inner voice as your guide.
Designing your newly constructed, somatically aware foundation offers you an invaluable resource bathed in compassion and cleansed of shame to traverse the topography of life using the compass of your virtuosity.
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