Somatics-The Integration of Mind, Body, and Emotion
By Lora Cecca Lyons, Somatic Coach
The ability to self-heal is our birthright, and the power of healing lies within the wisdom of our body. This is an innate gift. We each have access to it.
However, we live in a culture and a time where we are constantly "wired" to electronic devices such as cell phones and laptops and our schedules demand our time more than ever before. As a result, we are cut off from our intuitive senses and have lost connection to our most precious resource: the body.
To return to the body requires awareness and practice. We are always practicing something and the more we practice, we eventually embody it. For example, if you know how to drive a standard car, most likely you endured a process that involved stalling the engine and starting it up again. Repeatedly. After numerous attempts, you successfully shifted the car and eased it into motion. Over time, driving a standard becomes second nature requiring almost no effort at all. However, to get to that point took a lot of practice and commitment. The steps to learn this new skill were simple, but not always easy.
The same process is involved in the practice of returning to the life of the body. When we are connected to our body, we have the capacity to source our innate power to self-heal, self-learn and self-generate. When learning anything new, the practice may be simple, but not necessarily easy.
The good news is that we can source our innate ability to heal right now, in this very moment. And the way to do that is through the practice of being centered or fully present in the moment. When we are centered, we are present to our self and others, open to possibility, and connected to what we care most about.
You can begin this practice right now. It's simple. Here's how:
- Place your hand two inches below your navel. This is the center point of your body. The Japanese call this Hara. When we care about something, it lives in our Hara.
- Bring your attention to your Hara and allow your breath to fill up and soften your belly and chest. With each deep exhalation, let go of any tension.
- Lengthen your spine and stand with your feet about hip distance apart. Feel as if a string is tied to the crown of your head and is stretching your spine nice and long towards the sky. When you stand in your length, you stand with dignity and integrity.
- Now feel your body weight supported by your pelvis, legs and feet. Surrender to gravity by allowing your muscles to melt into your bones. When you do this, you are physically and energetically grounded and a stand for what's most important to you.
- Let energy run throughout your body all the way to your fingertips and toes. Become aware of your left and right sides. Take up and own the space you are in.
- Notice if you're leaning more to one side or towards the front or back, adjust yourself to the middle.
- Return your awareness to your breathing and continue to drop your attention to your belly. Attending to your breath brings you back to the present moment.
The place of center is an experience. Being centered is an energetic presence that is achieved through practice. When we relax into our body, we increase our capacity to experience vitality and appreciate the moments that make up our precious life. Our bodies already know how to heal. To reclaim this power requires practice and commitment. Your life depends on it. Why not begin today?