Somatic Series: Frustration Release

Welcome to this Mini Somatic Series exploring the release of built-up frustration.
Frustration is a natural human emotion, yet many of us have learned to suppress or ignore it. Instead of allowing it to move through us, we often hold it inside, where it can build as physical tension, mental overwhelm or emotional exhaustion. Over time, this stored energy can leave the nervous system feeling stuck in a cycle of activation, making it harder to return to a place of calm and clarity.
From a somatic perspective, frustration can be an initial sign that our body is feeling dysregulated. When frustration is acknowledged and given a safe outlet through intentional movement, sound or breath, we allow the nervous system to complete a stress response rather than carrying it forward.
Please return to this micro-moment whenever you notice irritation, overwhelm or built-up emotional tension arising and allow this simple practice to help you release and reset.

Transcript

As we settle in, I'll invite you into a lying down resting position. And we'll gather a deep, If not dramatic, Breath in. And we'll open the mouth, Letting that breath go. And again, This time see if you can fill up a little bit deeper. And emptying out. Final time, Deepest breath you've taken all day. Huh. As we bring our attention to our hands and our arms. Resting against the ground. And can you begin to clench your hands into fists? Can you squeeze the muscles of your arms, The belly of your arm, Even your shoulders up to your ears? Can you lift the arms away from the ground and squeeze them so much that you're feeling either a heat or a tremor? Take a deep breath in. Sighing it out, Letting the arms go. Take a moment to welcome your breath back into a natural rhythm. For our next round, We will bring that same squeeze into hands, Into arms, Into shoulders. And this time, Can you squeeze your feet? Can you contract your legs, Squeezing your thighs, Even your bottom? Can you feel almost a little tremor through all of the muscles as you squeeze a little bit more? Deep breath in. Audible sigh, Letting go, Ahhh. And watch as your breath. And your body return to a natural rhythm. For this final round, Can you once again squeeze your hands, Your arms, Your shoulders, Squeeze your feet, Your legs, Your thighs, And now can you squeeze the muscles in your back, In your belly, Even up in your face, Clenching your jaw, Maybe frowning into your forehead. And can you take a deep breath in, Squeezing these muscles even more. And then letting it go with an audible sigh and a sound. And as your breath returns to you gently, See if you can meet that moment of effort. With now a moment of ease. Gentle breath. Easy breath. And once you feel that your system has settled, Your body has become rested. From that centered place, You can then continue. Into the rest of your day.