CHANGE YOUR EVERYTHING

MOVEMENTS & MOMENTS

Somatic Movement & 75JOY

Joy is an inside job and an experience we can choose.

What is joyful movement? Movement need not be a tiresome chore or a punishment. And maybe you love yoga, swimming or running regularly. In this post we are exploring somatic movement as its a term that has become more and more popular of late.

I am calling you to add something new or 'less conventional' ~ with a non-fitness or non-measurable outcome.

This is where Somatic Movement is utilised for a shift in perspective each day.

Somatic movement refers to a type of movement therapy that focuses on increasing body awareness, releasing muscle tension, and improving overall movement patterns. It involves being mindful of movements thus, individuals connect with their bodies and identify areas of tension or discomfort, either physical or mental - or both. Somatic movement offers several benefits, including:

Improved body awareness: become more in tune with your body.
Reduced muscle tension: somatic practices can help release muscular tension and promote relaxation.
Enhanced flexibility & mobility: increase range of motion and flexibility in joints and muscles.
Pain relief: may alleviate chronic pain and discomfort.
Better posture & alignment: improve posture and balance, move with more efficiency
Stress reduction: calm the nervous system and release stress.
Increased coordination: By refining movement patterns, we can enhance coordination.
Injury prevention: can help develop healthier movement habits, reducing the risk of injuries.
Emotional well-being: mind-body connection, fostering a sense of emotional well-being and self-awareness.

Practicing somatic movement daily for 10mins has the potential to shift various emotional and psychological blockages and triggers. Fitness is important for our wellbeing and I encourage you to maintain and grow your fitness regime over time. However, via the 75JOY program, I am proposing that Somatic Movement be added and amplified in your routine ~ as a separate form of movement for ongoing physical and mental health.

In the 75JOY program we are practicing daily for:

Stress reduction, Emotional release, Body awareness, Connection to self, Improved mood, Self expression, Reduced Rumination and Empowerment.

To start Somatic Movement you can create a space at home ~ inside or outside ~ and allow your body to move organically. If this is initially challenging, then you might begin with some music you love and try to dance. As your dance evolves ~ your movements need to be organic, by this I mean they must originate from feeling and not from appearance.

Another strategy to begin moving, is to start standing with feet hip width apart and initiate shaking. The shaking may be small and increase. If you choose shaking as a somatic movement set a timer and let your body take over; 10mins of shaking is a substantial amount of somatic movement and will yield excellent results both physically and mentally.

In these times of change and uncertainty Somatic Movement will support your nervous system and your mental health. Some days we might wonder what the point of this all is; and to be perfectly honest the answer is that: we have an obligation to be the most rested and stress-free as possible, so we can effectively function, help and care for those around us, and deliver results via our jobs and our societal roles.

Practicing somatic movement daily for just 10 minutes can offer various emotional and psychological benefits. Here are some of the ways regular practice can positively impact your well-being:

1. Stress Reduction: Engaging in mindful somatic movements helps activate the body’s relaxation response, reducing stress and anxiety levels. This can lead to a calmer state of mind and improved emotional resilience.

2. Emotional Release: Somatic movement can provide a safe space to explore and release pent-up emotions stored in the body. The practice encourages gentle, flowing movements, which may allow emotional blockages to be released, leading to a sense of emotional catharsis.

3. Enhanced Body Awareness: Daily somatic movement cultivates a deeper connection with your body. This heightened awareness can help you recognize how emotions manifest physically and allow you to address and process them effectively.

4. Mind-Body Connection: The practice of somatic movement emphasises the integration of the mind and body. Regular practice can strengthen this connection, fostering a better understanding of how emotions and thoughts influence physical sensations and vice versa.

5. Improved Mood: The release of tension and stress, combined with the mind-body connection, can positively impact your mood. Engaging in somatic movement daily can leave you feeling more balanced, uplifted, and in a better emotional state.

6. Self-Expression: Somatic movement encourages free and expressive movements, allowing you to communicate and connect with your emotions on a non-verbal level. It can be a valuable outlet for self-expression and emotional processing.

7. Body Positivity and Acceptance: Daily somatic movement promotes self-acceptance and appreciation of your body. As you become more attuned to your body’s sensations and movement capabilities, you may develop a greater sense of body positivity and self-esteem.

8. Reduced Rumination: Engaging in mindful movement can help shift your focus away from negative thought patterns and rumination. Instead, you become more present in the moment, fostering a more positive mindset.

9. Empowerment: Somatic movement empowers individuals to take an active role in their emotional well-being. By engaging in the practice regularly, you may feel more in control of your emotions and better equipped to manage challenging situations.

10. Sleep Improvement: Regular somatic movement can contribute to better sleep quality. By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, it may help you unwind and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.

You can choose to simply practice somatic movement daily or expand this to include all elements of the 75JOY program.

The 75JOY program is as challenging as you need it to be, it’s flexible and open-ended so you can tailor it to your needs (for example if you’re already doing some of the components you can add to your current schedule), The main elements are: