YOUR GUIDE TO SOMATIC MOVEMENT
MOVEMENTS & MOMENTS
More of Our Favourite Movement System
What is Somatic Movement?
Somatic movement is a practice that focuses on internal body awareness rather than external performance. Unlike traditional exercise, which often emphasises structured movement patterns, somatic movement encourages you to tune into how your body feels, helping to release tension, improve mobility, and regulate the nervous system. It works by engaging the mind-body connection, allowing you to move intuitively and process stored stress or emotions.
How to Start Somatic Movement:
Find a Quiet Space: Choose a comfortable area with minimal distractions.
Start with Breath Awareness: Take slow, deep breaths to activate your parasympathetic nervous system.
Move Slowly and Intentionally: Begin with gentle, exploratory movements—rolling your shoulders, swaying side to side, or stretching without a fixed goal.
Follow Sensation, Not Form: Notice how each movement feels rather than how it looks. If an area feels tight or restricted, explore gentle, small movements in that space without forcing anything. Let your body guide you, shifting between stillness and motion as needed.
Stay Present and Reflect: Throughout the practice, focus on sensations—heat, tension, ease, or release. If your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to your breath and movement. Afterward, take a moment to notice any shifts in your body or emotions.
Practice Regularly: Somatic movement isn’t about achieving a specific outcome but about developing greater self-awareness and nervous system regulation. Even just 5-10 minutes a day can help relieve stored tension, improve mobility, and create a deeper connection with your body over time.
Peer-reviewed studies highlight somatic movement’s ability to reduce stress, enhance emotional resilience, and support trauma recovery. Research indicates that it lowers PTSD symptoms, improves focus and engagement, and fosters mind-body awareness, making it beneficial for both mental and physical well-being. Additionally, somatic practices like yoga and movement-based therapies help regulate the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and improve adaptability to emotional challenges, contributing to long-term health and cognitive function.
We love the benefits of somatic movement!