Somatic Awareness & Healing
Somatic Awareness & Healing
Have you ever noticed how your body reacts to stress—tight shoulders, a clenched jaw, or a racing heart? These physical responses are more than just fleeting discomforts; they are your body’s way of storing unresolved tension and trauma. This is where somatic healing comes in.
What is Somatic Healing?
The word somatic comes from the Greek soma, meaning "body." Somatic healing is an approach that focuses on the body's role in processing and releasing emotional and traumatic experiences. Instead of only talking through past wounds, somatic practices guide us to tune into bodily sensations, movement, and breath to support nervous system regulation and deep healing.
Peter Levine and Somatic Experiencing
One of the pioneers in this field is Dr. Peter Levine, a renowned psychologist and trauma specialist. He developed Somatic Experiencing (SE), a body-based therapy designed to help individuals release trauma stored in the nervous system. Levine’s approach is based on observing how animals naturally shake off stress and trauma. Unlike humans, who tend to suppress or override these responses, animals instinctively discharge stress energy, preventing trauma from getting stuck in their bodies.
How Can Somatic Healing Help You?
Whether you experience anxiety, chronic stress, or a history of trauma, somatic healing can: ✔️ Help regulate your nervous system ✔️ Release stored tension and trauma ✔️ Increase resilience and emotional balance ✔️ Strengthen mind-body awareness and self-connection
If you're curious to explore somatic healing, I invite you to take a few moments today to check in with your body. What sensations do you notice? What happens when you take a deep, slow breath? Small moments of awareness can create powerful shifts.
Would you like to experience more somatic practices? Stay tuned for upcoming resources and offerings!
With warmth and presence, Robin