Somatic Techniques: Tuning into the Senses and Rediscovering Embodiment

In the fast-paced world of our over-culture, it is all too easy to become disconnected from our bodies. In our modern world, where speed and efficiency are prized virtues, we rush from one task to another, often ignoring the signals and sensations that our bodies are trying to communicate. This disconnection can exacerbate stress, anxiety, and a general feeling of being out of touch with ourselves. Somatic techniques are a powerful way to reestablish and deepen the connection with our bodies, tap into the wisdom they hold, and can be simple enough to incorporate into our everyday lives.

What Does it Really Mean to be in the Body?

Being in the body is about holding conscious awareness of our physical presence. It's about inhabiting our sensory experience. It's about feeling the aliveness that is our own existance, noticing the subtleties of sensation, and being present to the richness of our physical being. When we're truly in our bodies, we're not just thoughtlessly moving through space; we're engaging with the world on a synchronized way. There's a profound wisdom that lies within our physical being – a form of cognition that emerges from the depths of our nervous system, often overlooked in favor of our brain's rapid-fire analysis. This is the wisdom of body cognition, a reservoir of knowledge that holds the key to deeper understanding and balanced decision-making.

The Wisdom of Somatic Techniques

Somatic techniques are practices that facilitate this deep embodiment. They invite us to slow down, tune in, and listen to what our bodies are telling us. These techniques encompass a wide range of modalities, from breathwork and movement practices like yoga and tai chi, to more subtle approaches like mindfulness meditation and body scans.

Pausing to Listen:

In a culture that glorifies the intellect and the quick, analytical mind, we often forget to give credence to the wisdom that emanates from our bodies. It's imperative to pause and allow our body cognition to respond before our brain cognition takes over. This requires a conscious effort to tune in, to wait, to listen, and to trust that the answers we seek are already within us.

Breath Awareness:

The breath is a powerful anchor to the present moment. If it feels safe for you, observing the rhythm of our breath brings our attention into the body and cultivates a sense of grounding. Conscious breathing helps release tension and allows us to find the space that connects us with the innate wisdom of our bodies.

Body Scan Meditation:

This technique involves systematically bringing attention to different parts of the body, starting from the crown downwards towards your toes. It's a profound way to develop a heightened awareness of bodily sensations and promote relaxation. Holding the perspective of curiosity, see what you find as you scan your own body. Pay attention to any visuals, colors or sensations that may be found.

Movement Practices:

Engaging in mindful movement practices like yoga, qigong or rock climbing helps bridge the gap between mind and body. These practices encourage us to move with intention, inviting a deeper connection to our physical experience.

Embodied Mindfulness:

Unlike traditional mindfulness, which often focuses on mental awareness, embodied mindfulness emphasizes awareness of bodily sensations. It involves tuning into the felt-sense of our experience, whether it's the tingling in our fingertips or the subtle shifts in our posture.

Expressive Arts Therapies:

Modalities like dance, art, and music therapy offer unique avenues to explore and express our embodied experience. They provide a creative outlet for sensations and emotions that may be difficult to articulate verbally.

Sensory Perception Practice:

Engage your senses fully. Feel the ground beneath your feet, notice the temperature of the air on your skin, and listen to the sounds around you. Stay tuned in to your surrounding environment and your sensory awareness that connects you with your surroundings. Allow your senses to be your guides. Doing this practice for just a couple of minutes can be incredibly grounding and brings your attention into present moment awareness.

Pausing Before Deciding:

When faced with a decision, resist the urge to jump to a conclusion and find an answer quickly. Instead, take a moment to breathe, tune into your body's sensations, and allow your intuition to surface.

Embracing the Dance of Mind and Body

Ultimately, the interplay between body cognition and brain cognition is a dance – a dance where both partners bring their unique strengths to the floor. By honoring the wisdom of body cognition, we unlock a deeper level of understanding and insight. We learn to trust ourselves in a way that transcends mere intellectual analysis. So, let us pause, listen, and allow the innate intelligence within us to lead the way. The answers we seek are waiting to be discovered within the depths of our own being.

The Transformative Power of Embodiment

When we engage with our bodies in this way, something profound happens. We start to dissolve the barriers between mind and body, and we access a deeper level of self-awareness. We become attuned to the signals our bodies send us – the tightening in our chest when we're anxious, the lightness in our step when we're joyful. This awareness empowers us to make choices that are aligned with our truest selves.

So, the next time you find yourself rushing through life, lean into the practice of taking a moment to pause. Tune into your breath, feel the ground beneath your feet, and notice the subtle sensations found in your body. In those moments, you're not just hoping to exist; you're reclaiming empowerment by mindfully slowing down and connecting with the wisdom of body cognition, a reservoir of knowledge that holds the keys to deeper understanding, balanced decision-making and embodied living.