Have you ever felt so disconnected from yourself that even your own body feels like a stranger? For many years, I was a single mom, navigating the stormy waters of life with little time to spare for self-reflection. It was a journey marked by relentless busyness, where the demands of daily life often drowned out the subtle whispers of my own body. Growing up with childhood trauma followed by a series of toxic relationships only exacerbated the turmoil within me, leaving me grappling with low self-esteem and a significant lack of self-love. Between the chaos, my mind echoed with the relentless chorus of negative voices, each one amplifying the doubts and insecurities that had taken root within me.As I wrestled with this churning sea of emotions, I stumbled upon the transformative power of somatic practices. These mind-body techniques focus on the connection between physical sensations and emotions. I tentatively signed up for a free somatic coaching session, hoping for some peace and clarity. But as I delved deeper into the world of somatic healing, I found comfort in reconnecting with my body and discovered the gentle warm embrace of budding self-love.
This journey started when I began taking yoga for college credit, I discovered a simple yet profound somatic exercise: grounding. I would find a quiet corner, close my eyes, and focus on the sensation of my feet against the earth. As I focused on my feet rooted to the earth, a sense of calm washed over me, replacing the usual frantic mental chatter. With each inhale, I imagined drawing energy up from the ground, filling my body with a feeling of rootedness and stability. With each exhale, I released the tension I held within, surrendering to the present moment. Try this grounding practice anytime you need a little calm during a hectic day.
Discovering breathwork was my turning point: from the first session, I knew this somatic practice could change my life. I explored various breathwork techniques and found a trauma-informed approach that was gentle on my nervous system yet powerful enough to bring transformation and healing. I found breathwork to be a powerful tool for releasing stored emotions and trauma, paving the way for healing and self-love. Try a free, gentle but powerful group breathwork session, click here to learn more.
Another practice that resonated deeply with me was body scanning. In moments of overwhelm or distress, I find a quiet spot, close my eyes, and systematically scan each part of my body, from head to toe, tuning in to the sensations and emotions that arise. Through this practice, I learned to listen to the whispers of my body—the tightness in my chest, the knots in my stomach—and offer them the compassion and attention they so desperately craved.
As I continued to explore somatic practices, I found myself slowly but steadily unraveling the layers of trauma and self-doubt that had bound me for so long. Through gentle movement, breathwork, inner child and parts work, journaling, and mindfulness, I began cultivating a deeper self-awareness and acceptance. With each practice, I reclaimed ownership of my body and my story, embracing the journey of healing with newfound courage and resilience.
Today, as a somatic coach and breathwork facilitator, I am called to share the transformative power of these practices with others—especially women who, like me, have journeyed through the muck of trauma and self-doubt. I aim to create a safe and nurturing space where women can reconnect with their bodies, cultivate self-love, and embark on their journey of healing and self-discovery.
In the gentle rhythm of breath and movement, I found freedom—a pathway to reclaiming my voice, my self-worth, and a deep unbending self-love. And though the journey is ongoing, I walk it now with a newfound sense of grace and resilience, guided by the wisdom of my own body and the unwavering light of self-compassion.
Somatic Spring Cleaning
Close your eyes and get comfy, lying down or sitting tall – whatever feels best for you. Now, take a few deep breaths, letting your belly rise and fall with each inhale and exhale. Imagine your breath filling you up like a balloon.
Now, let's do a quick body check-in. Starting with your toes, wiggle them a bit and see if you notice any tightness or areas that feel a little off. Maybe it's your shoulders holding onto stress, or a clenched jaw.
When you find a spot that feels tense, focus on your breath there. Imagine sending calming waves of air right to that area. You can even try some gentle stretches or movements to help release the tension. By giving your body some love and attention, you can start to let go of any negative emotions that might be holding you back
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