Our bodies have an inherent intelligence, attending to it has a powerful affect. We can learn a lot about ourselves, others, and our relationship with each other.

“In a state of embodied Self, we can take in, moment by moment, all that we experience in life, staying present to every sensation.”

Here are the tools for an Embodied self, from the base up:

Somatic awareness - Awareness of our bodies is the base for an embodied self, asking the question, How connected am I to my body? Get curious of the places that are hard to notice, curious about how much pleasure do you allow your body to receive… and without judging yourself, how much do I attend to the needs of my body? Do I tend to disconnect because there is too much pain? 

Breath - Breath is the spirit, is what connects body & mind. Conscious breathing helps us monitor and regulate our own nervous system. The respiratory muscles of the torso and diaphragm are one of their favorite sites for holding in strong feelings. How many times do you find yourself holding your breath when strong emotions are present, knowing that if you let go tears will come, or anger will show up? 

Resonance - Somatic Resonance is when our energetic bodies impact each other, when “mirror neurons” are active and create mutual attunement, we feel connected & understood. Empathy, intuition, and kinesthetic sensing are part of resonance. When is the last time you said, “I like his/her vibe!”? 

Mindful Movement - Practices like yoga, dance therapy, tai-chi, or any activity that brings conscious attention to the body are an opportunity to attend sensations and allow emotions to expand. Giving permission to stuck energy to move freely and release. Attuned touch - Touch is our first language. It is the first sense to develop in the embryo, all other senses are derived from it. 

Attuned touch - is a powerful vehicle for healing trauma and attachment wounds. When we attend to our own body we communicate self-presence, “Hey body, I am here, I feel you, I am listening.

Resource: Pyramid of Somatic IFS tools by Susan McConnell, from my latest training on Integrative Somatics Parts Work with Frances D. Booth