In a world often dominated by the ceaseless chatter of the mind, I embarked on a deeply personal journey.
A journey to explore inner transformation with Somatic Healing.
A journey that would lead me to the profound understanding that our bodies hold the key to unlocking inner wisdom and healing.
The disconnect
For years, I had been living with a subtle but persistent sense of disconnection from my own body. Like many others, I had grown accustomed to the relentless demands of modern life. Endless to-do lists, deadlines, and the ever-present digital world that seemed to pull me away from the present moment.
My body had become little more than a means to an end, a vehicle to carry out the tasks of daily life. I had neglected its signals, silenced its whispers, and ignored its wisdom. It was time to change that.
What is somatic healing and how does it work?
Somatic healing, I discovered, is an approach that recognizes the body as a profound source of wisdom and insight. It invites us to listen to the subtle language of sensations, emotions, and physical tensions as messengers from our deepest selves.
I began my exploration of somatic healing by embracing various body-centered practices. These included yoga, tai chi, mindfulness-based body scans, and even dance therapy. Each practice offered a unique entry point into the world of embodied wisdom.
Inner transformation with Somatic Healing
In summary, one of the foundational aspects of somatic psychology and somatic healing is reconnecting with the breath through somatic experiencing therapy techniques, such as sensorimotor psychotherapy. Breathing, often taken for granted, is a powerful tool for grounding oneself in the present moment and addressing the effects of mental health conditions. Reconnecting with the breath is an essential somatic therapy technique that can help individuals develop body awareness and mirror their inner state.
A somatic therapist works towards healing trauma from the inside out with somatic approaches, allowing for a deeper understanding and release of trapped emotions and trauma within the body on a cellular level. Somatic therapy techniques, like grounding, breathing exercises, movement therapies, touch and bodywork, practicing mindfulness, dance, and other techniques, can be used to enhance the somatic healing process and alleviate physical symptoms. Some of the most common forms of somatic therapy include somatic experiencing, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), Hakomi method, neurosomatic therapy, and sensorimotor psychotherapy.
Conscious breathing practices, such as diaphragmatic breathing and pranayama, became anchors in my daily routine. These practices helped me release physical tension and emotional stress, allowing me to tap into a deeper sense of relaxation and presence.
The wisdom of the body scan
Mindfulness-based body scans became an integral part of my somatic healing journey. These practices involved systematically bringing awareness to each part of the body, scanning for tension, discomfort, or sensation.
Through body scans, I learned to notice the subtle messages my body was conveying. Areas of tightness often held emotional residue, and by gently focusing on these areas, I could release stored emotions and find a greater sense of ease and clarity.
Yoga and movement as meditation
Yoga and movement practices played a central role in my somatic healing journey. These embodied practices encouraged a deeper connection between mind and body. I found that as I moved through yoga postures or engaged in dance, I could access inner states of peace, joy, and release.
Yoga, in particular, provided a holistic approach to somatic healing, combining breath, movement, and meditation. It became a sacred space where I could explore the edges of my physical and emotional comfort zones, learning to embrace discomfort as a gateway to growth.
Embracing emotional alchemy
Somatic healing revealed to me that emotions are not just mental constructs—they are embodied experiences. Through practices like body-centred meditation, I learned to sit with my emotions without judgment, allowing them to flow and transform.
It was a form of emotional alchemy, where the heaviness of suppressed feelings could transmute into a sense of lightness and vitality. This process of emotional integration brought about a profound sense of self-acceptance and inner peace.
Unearthing trauma and healing
Somatic healing also led me on a journey of unearthing and healing past trauma. Our bodies often store traumatic memories, and by gently exploring the sensations associated with trauma, I could release the grip of the past on my present.
This was not an easy journey, but it was a necessary one. Through somatic practices and with the guidance of trained therapists, I learned to navigate the sometimes turbulent waters of trauma healing. It was a process of rediscovering a sense of safety and trust within my own body.
Healing as a continuous journey
Somatic healing is not a one-time event; it is an ongoing journey of self-discovery and growth. It is a reminder that our bodies are wise teachers, constantly offering insights and guidance if we are willing to listen.
My journey has been marked by moments of profound healing and transformation, but it has also been punctuated by setbacks and challenges. It is in these moments that I’ve learned to embrace the imperfection of the human experience and to approach each day as an opportunity to deepen my connection with my body and inner wisdom.
Embracing wholeness
As I conclude this reflection on my somatic healing journey, I find myself filled with a deep sense of gratitude. I have come to realize that healing is not about fixing what is broken but about embracing the wholeness that has always been within us.
Somatic healing has allowed me to reintegrate fragmented parts of myself and to embrace the full spectrum of my humanity. It has taught me that the body is not separate from the mind or spirit but an integral part of the holistic tapestry of our existence.
In somatic healing, I have found a profound path to self-discovery and inner wisdom. It is a journey that continues to unfold, offering the gifts of presence, self-acceptance, and transformation. It is a journey that celebrates the body as a sacred vessel of wisdom and invites us to dance with the rhythms of our own healing journey.
The wisdom of pain
Somatic healing has taught me that pain is not something to be feared or avoided but a powerful messenger that carries vital information. When we experience physical or emotional pain, our bodies are signaling that something needs our attention.
In my journey, I’ve learned to approach pain with curiosity and compassion. Instead of numbing it with medications or distractions, I sit with it. I breathe into it. I ask it what it’s trying to tell me.
Through this process, I’ve discovered that pain often holds emotional and psychological components. It might be a manifestation of unprocessed grief, unresolved trauma, or repressed emotions. By acknowledging and exploring the pain, I’ve been able to uncover deeper layers of healing.
The role of body memory
Our bodies have an incredible capacity to store memories. Somatic healing has revealed to me that experiences and emotions can become imprinted in our musculature, creating patterns of tension and discomfort.
For example, the tension we feel in our shoulders may be connected to years of carrying emotional burdens. The tightness in our hips may be linked to repressed desires or unexpressed emotions.
By working with body memory through somatic practices, I’ve been able to release these stored patterns. It’s as if I’m unlocking chapters of my life story that were previously hidden in my body, allowing me to integrate them and move forward with greater freedom.
The dance of release
Somatic healing often involves a beautiful dance of release. Through movements, breath, and mindful attention, I’ve learned to let go of what no longer serves me. It’s a process of shedding the layers of tension, fear, and conditioning that accumulate over time.
In my journey, I’ve found that the body has a natural intelligence for release. Just as a dog shakes off water after a swim, our bodies know how to shake off accumulated stress and trauma, including traumatic events. Practices like TRE (Tension and Trauma Release Exercises) and the positive effects of EMDR therapy, a form of somatic therapy called eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), have been instrumental in helping me facilitate this process and support a healthy stress response.
EMDR therapy, a type of cognitive behavioral therapy, has been shown to produce positive effects more quickly than trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), according to a 2014 systematic review. In EMDR therapy, the client remembers traumatic experiences in short doses while simultaneously focusing on an external stimulus — the most common being sideways eye movements. Other focal points might include hand tapping or listening to a particular sound.
The experience of release is profound. It’s as if I’m shedding an old, heavy coat, revealing a truer, lighter version of myself underneath.
Connection with nature
Somatic healing has deepened my connection with nature. I’ve come to recognize that our bodies are not separate from the natural world but deeply intertwined with it. Our bodies are made of the same elements found in the earth, and our rhythms are attuned to the cycles of the seasons.
Spending time in nature has become an essential aspect of my healing journey. Whether it’s walking barefoot on the earth, immersing myself in the forest, or simply gazing at the stars, I feel a sense of communion with the natural world.
Nature reminds me of the innate wisdom of the body. It teaches me to slow down, listen, and attune to the subtleties of the present moment. In the stillness of nature, I find a mirror for the stillness within myself.
Somatic healing and creativity
Somatic healing has had a profound impact on my creativity. I’ve come to understand that the body is a wellspring of inspiration and innovation. When we listen to the body, we tap into a source of creativity that flows from the depths of our being.
Through movement, dance, and other somatic practices, I’ve discovered new avenues for self-expression. I’ve learned to trust the body’s impulses and allow them to guide my creative endeavors. This has led to the creation of art, music, and writing that feel deeply authentic and alive.
Somatic healing has also helped me navigate creative blocks. When I encounter resistance or creative stagnation, I turn to my body for guidance. I inquire into the sensations and emotions that may be holding me back, allowing them to inform my creative process.
Somatic healing and relationships
Somatic healing has transformed my relationships. It has deepened my capacity for empathy, compassion, and authentic connection.
In my journey, I’ve learned that the body communicates not only our own emotions and sensations but also the unspoken language of others. Through practices like mindful touch and partner yoga, I’ve discovered how to attune to the embodied experiences of those around me.
This has enriched my relationships by fostering a deeper sense of intimacy and understanding. I’ve learned to listen not only to the words people speak but also to the nuances of their body language and energetic presence.
Somatic healing has also helped me navigate conflict and communication challenges. When tensions arise, I’ve found that returning to the body can be a grounding and centering practice. It allows me to respond from a place of embodied wisdom rather than reacting from a place of reactivity.
Somatic healing and spirituality
My exploration of somatic healing has deepened my spiritual journey. It has shown me that the body is a sacred vessel—a temple of inner wisdom and divine presence.
Somatic practices have become a form of meditation for me. They provide a gateway to the sacred within. Through the body, I’ve accessed states of profound stillness and transcendence. I’ve experienced moments of unity with the cosmos, where the boundary between self and other dissolves.
Somatic healing has also connected me with the ancient wisdom of indigenous cultures. Many indigenous traditions understand the body as a bridge between the earthly and the spiritual realms. They recognize that the body carries the wisdom of the ancestors and the land. My journey has led me to explore these indigenous perspectives, deepening my reverence for the body as a sacred instrument of healing and transformation.
In conclusion, embracing the embodied self?
In concluding this exploration of somatic healing, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude. I’ve come to realize that the body is not just a vessel for the soul but an embodiment of the soul—a sacred and wise companion on our earthly journey.
Somatic healing has taught me to embrace the embodied self—the self that is alive with sensation, emotion, and vitality. It has shown me that healing is not a destination but a continuous unfolding of self-discovery and self-acceptance.
In the quiet moments of mindful presence, I find solace in the deep wisdom of body psychotherapy, which includes talk therapy and incorporates practices like somatic therapy and attachment theory. It is a wisdom that speaks in whispers and bodily sensations, inviting us to listen, explore, and honor the sacred temple within. Somatic healing, a journey of self-love, self-acceptance, and self-discovery, celebrates the innate wisdom of the body and invites us to dance with the rhythms of our own healing, embracing the embodied self and the power of physical movement.
If you’re interested in somatic psychotherapy, it’s important to understand some key concepts used in therapy sessions, such as the cognitive approaches used for this type of treatment. The Hakomi Method, a psychotherapy that integrates scientific, psychological, and spiritual sources, is one such approach that can be used in Pat Ogden sessions.
