The body as a tool for healing
In a society that is often reinforcing constantly being on the go, many of us become disconnected from our body and all that it does for us on a daily basis. Our body is the space holder for our emotions, experiences, sensations and the tool that allows us to physically move through the world. By coming back to our body through the use of movement, sound, breath and creativity we can tap into our ability to manage our emotions, reduce anxiety and restore balance.
Why does the body matter in healing?
Trauma is stored in our body in the form of sensations - often uncomfortable ones. Anxiety is manifested through rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, sweaty palms, etc. We notice grief through physical heartache. Trauma can manifest itself as digestive issues, tremors and inexplicable pain. Are you noticing a pattern here?
The body matters because it is the space where our emotions are stored. If we ignore the body and only focus on the mind, we will always struggle to heal and understand the root of our suffering.
How can you connect to your body?
Art Therapy
While we may notice sensations in our body, it can often times feel challenging to articulate our experience - this is where Art Therapy can come into play. Engaging in Art Therapy allows for you to express your inner experience through the use of metaphor, lines, shapes and colors.
TRY THIS: next time you are trying to connect with your inner experience grab some art materials -this can be colored pencils, markers, paint, etc. Without trying to analyze or think too much, use lines, shapes and the colors to begin to explore what you are feeling. This could be a jagged line to express frustration, or a heart to describe love - you by no means need to create a masterpiece. This experimentation starts to invite your body into a new way of expressing and understanding your inner experience.
Breathing
If you have worked with me in any capacity you have probably heard me explain the breath to be one of my favorite tools for clients as it is always accessible and available to us. Your breath is a beautiful way to physically remind you of your body and the exact thing that keeps us alive.
TRY THIS: next time you notice discomfort or tension in your body, place one hand on your belly. After taking a couple of deep breaths on your own, start to expand and inflate your belly with your inhale - imagining as if you were blowing up a balloon. And with the exhale pull in and imagine your belly button going in towards your spine without using force or pushing with your hand. Do this for a couple of rounds to notice how much more connected you feel to your body. It’s okay if it feels challenging at the beginning, with practice it will keep getting easier.
Somatic Healing
A mindfulness and movement based practice that allows for you to come into your body by mindfully and slowly noticing the sensations you are experiencing. The practice then invites movement based off of impulse to bring your body back to a state of balance
TRY THIS: find a comfortable seat where you are in a private and silent space. Close your eyes and start to notice one sensation you feel in your body. Using the somatic descriptor worksheet, name that sensation. Then, see if there is an impulse of movement that feels as though it can support the sensation. For ex: rolling out your neck if it feels tight or placing a hand on your chest if you notice constriction. You may notice that one movement then leads to another and further exploration of the sensations in your body.
Movement
Movement is the most obvious physical way that we are able to come into our body. Movement can include exercise through sports, a class, going for a walk, practicing pilates or yoga, etc. Whether it be through gentle or more active movement, being mindful and aware of your experience as you are moving invites you to come into and notice your body.
TRY THIS: next time you are doing some form of movement or exercise, take a couple of minutes to name to yourself the movements you are doing. For example, while on a walk you may say to yourself “I notice I am lifting my right foot and placing it on the floor. Then, my left foot…” This practice allows for you to begin exploring ways to come into your body and be more mindful as you move.
Sound
Sound can include both listening and creating sound. Maybe you notice yourself tearing up as you listen to a specific song or a memory comes up when you hum a tune - these are some ways in which sound is bringing you into your body (through the form of memories and emotions).
TRY THIS: find a comfortable space where you have some privacy as you take a moment to notice how your body is feeling. With your next breath, breathe in through your nose and with the exhale, hum out. You can explore and play with the humming in where it originates from, moving it to the chest, belly, etc while also exploring the quality and volume of the hum. Spend some time in stillness at the end as well to reflect on any changes you may notice in your body.
While it may feel challenging and even overwhelming at the beginning, the process of connecting with and befriending your body is one that takes time, patience and persistence yet is a beautiful pathway to deep connection and healing. Rather than simply trying to “out think” or “solve” your emotions and issues, try to connect to your body in one of the above ways and see how that may shift your experience over time.
If you want to explore this further, I have spots open in my practice for both in person individual sessions in Miami, FL as well as virtual in both New York and Florida for you to explore connecting with your body through Art Therapy and Somatic Healing. Schedule a FREE consultation call to begin your journey today. I also host weekly Somatic Healing classes at Daily Flows Movement Studio in Miami, FL which you can sign up for here.
