What Is Somatic Practice?

A short introduction to the principles of somatic awareness and why returning attention to the body supports nervous system regulation. Research suggests that deliberate physical awareness can help shift the body from states of high activation toward greater ease and presence. Suitable for anyone new to somatic work or mindfulness practice. This content is intended for general wellbeing purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological support.

Transcript

Most of us spend the vast majority of our lives living in a hedge. Planning. Analyzing problem solving. Perhaps replaying scenarios or scanning for threats that have not actually happened yet. The word somatic comes from the Greek soma. Which means living in the body. And somatic practice is simply that, It's the art of returning to it. The art of coming home. When we are caught up in stress response, Our jaw gets tired, Shallow breathing perhaps, Mind is running at a speed and no amount of thinking changes that. Research suggests that the nervous system does not respond to logic. It responds to physical signals. Perhaps a hand on the heart of chairs. A slow deliberate exhale. Felt weight of your feet on the floor. These are not relaxation techniques. There are intentional acts of physical awareness. That research indicates that can help shift the body from a high state of stress. Towards greater ease and presence. We're not trying. To fix anything. We are simply returning our attention to the body. To our homes. Which has been here all along waiting for us. This is where we start the practice. We don't need to sit for hours on the cushion or sit in a silent room meditating for days. We simply come back to the breath over and over. The body always knows before the mind does. I am Hosei. Welcome.