Noticing the Experience

Contemporary neuroscience research reveals that our sense of wholeness in anchored in the body.  As self-awareness increases, the ability to perceive physical sensations and connect them to emotions in the body increases. The capacity to notice the experience of a clenched jaw and then connect that physical sensation to your momentary frustration provides a sense of mastery as you compassionately observe what arises and subsides.  Exploring how to “be in the body” provides new coping skills, healthy self-care and the capacity to take effective action.

Trauma Stays in he Body

Trauma has touched most of our lives and often overwhelms.  You may experience trauma as trouble sleeping, waking up from nightmares, intrusive memories or thoughts that disturb you, negative ideas about yourself, such as shame or guilt, difficulties in relationships or jobs, anxiety and agitation.  The effects can be devastating yet it is possible to gradually reclaim your body through movement that is gentle and mindful.

Start By Noticing

If you like, begin experimenting by standing.  Notice your feet making contact with the floor.  Bring attention to the feeling of where the weight is placed on each foot.  Gently rock toward your toes and back toward your heels.  Give yourself a little space for noticing the sensations in your feet.  Allow your breath to be free and easy.   Lengthen your spine and lift through the top of your head.  Let your shoulders drop and the muscles in your face and jaw soften.  Observe where your feel stable and where you can let go a bit.  See if you can take a full body breath.

Thinking About It vs Feeling It

Trauma sensitive body based movement promotes feelings of self-empowerment by inviting an attitude of curiosity and nonjudgmental self-observation to a compassionate practice of connecting breath with motion.  Can you feel your feet in contact with your socks, the floor or the earth?  What do you notice as you become curious about the sensations in your feet?  Try feeling rather than thinking about your feet.  How is the experience of feeling your feet different from a mental concept of your feet?