two simple somatic practices

Somatics at its core, is about relating to your body-mind-spirit with curiosity.

As I have gradually folded in somatic rituals into my everyday life, it has become less of: this is what I rigidly do and stick to every single day like my teeth brushing routine, and more: what is it that my body needs, and how can I tend to myself in a way that feels accessible right now?

(I do need to update my flossing routine though)

(by update I do mean flossing everyday)

These are two foundational practices and principles in Somatic Experiencing™ that we return to and explore over and over. These are gentle somatic, bottom-up practices that can support us when we are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, anxious stuck, frozen, depressed, lethargic.

Check in with how you feel before and after trying each practice:

Orienting

Bring your attention out to your surroundings. Allow yourself to look around your environment right now. What do you notice through your five senses?

Our nervous system is always doing this thing called neuroception where it is scanning the environment for danger and threat. By slowing down and intentionally orienting to where you are in time and space, your body sends messages to your brain that you are safe.

Grounding

If you are sitting on a chair or lying down somewhere, notice which parts of your body is touching the chair, couch, bed, grass or whatever surface you are laying on.

Notice how you are being supported by the ground, the earth, the couch, the chair.

Grounding allows us to make intentional contact with gravity with our attention. This allows our body to know that we are located in this exact location in space and thus in present time. Our nervous system begins to relax when it senses we are being held by gravity.

꩜

Bring your attention inwards and notice how you feel now. Notice any changes to your breath, thoughts, emotions, or physical sensations.