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Go With The Flow Of Your Feelings
I am currently obsessed with the concept of somatic movement – the practice of listening to our body while we move rather than simply telling our body what to do.
It is less about how the movement looks and more about how it feels from the inside. The word “somatic” is derived from “soma,” meaning the living body as experienced from within. Rather than focusing on form, reps, performance, etc., somatic practices invite us to notice, feel, breathe, respond, and connect.
Here are some of the elements that make somatic movement special:
- Awareness before achievement. You notice sensations, tension, breath, emotion, balance and where you may be holding or guarding.
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Slow, intentional movement. You may find your rhythm through rocking, shaking, spiraling, stretching, swaying, breath-led movement, or even in stillness.
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Nervous-system regulation. You shift from activated stress toward greater calm with gentle movement paired with attention and breathing.
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Interoception. You practice sensing what’s happening inside – heartbeat, breath, tension, temperature – which can strengthen body awareness.
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Agency. You ask questions like “What does my body need right now?” or “What happens if I soften here?” rather than simply pushing through.
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Embodiment. Your goal is to go beyond thinking about being present, and actually experience presence in your body.
Importantly, somatic movement isn’t one specific exercise method. Breathwork, dance, Qigong, yoga, mobility work, and even strength training can all have a somatic quality when they’re practiced with internal awareness and sensation as part of the experience.
I highly encourage you to add this layer to your wellness approach to not only strengthen your body, but also regulate your nervous system and deepen your relationship with self.
