What is Somatic Embodiment?

Somatic is relating to the body, especially as distinct from the mind. Somatic embodiment is a holistic approach that explores the connection between the body, mind, and emotions, and how these interact with each other. It’s a practice that assists people to become more aware of their bodies and their physical sensations, and is used to address a variety of issues, including trauma, stress, and negative emotions.

All the things that happen in a person’s life, including negative experiences, are not only stored in the brain but in the body as well. Healing can happen through the practice of connecting the body and the mind. The mind-body connection, or the somatic connection, refers to the way your thoughts are connected to your feelings. “Feelings” imply a physical sensation that is felt in the body. The way a person thinks impacts the way they feel, and vice versa.  Somatic experiencing uses a “bottom-up” approach, which starts with bodily sensations before returning to our thoughts.  Yoga is a practice that connects body and mind and heart.

An embodiment practice, such as yoga postures and breathwork is a method of using the unique sensations of your body as a tool to develop awareness, stay present, self-regulate, feel whole, find balance, feel connected, know ourself, love ourself and be empowered.

Podcast and resources on Getting Embodied with Terra Anderson on Accessible Yoga.

Watch/listen in on the video below with Brene Brown on “Boundaries, Feelings, and Core Emotions.”

Go deeper in Brene Brown’s book, Atlas of the Heart.

To more deeply connect with your feelings and emotions and how they arise in your body, please refer to these feeling words. These words are a great tool for communication and identifying how you truly feel.