We exist inhabiting a multifaceted body with an active mind controlling a large part of our day-to-day life. This intellectual mind enables us to interpret the world; yet, it is only one indicator of our well-being. The immediacy of an emotion housed in the body is another clue towards overall health. The mind may deceive us. When we assign the mind as the “CEO” without considering the emotional body, we may disassociate from an embodied experience where we hold space for ourselves in deep acknowledgement.
As we grow up many of us are taught to button up emotions. We then live from day-to-day ruminating and deliberating on every issue. One can find validity in the moment by tapping into the emotional body and expressing how one truly feels from the intelligent somatic body. Somatic practices, such as movement therapy, can create a connection between the body and mind. Somatic movement is referred to as conscious or embodied dance. Current day themes provide “silent dance” whereby participants wear headphones with music piped in and dance together yet interpret the music with autonomous interpretation. This practice involves moving to music without following scripted moves. As one moves, body energy is stoked and the emotions from movement and sound carry energy shifts, thereby transforming each participant’s experience.
This summer a week-long somatic movement workshop located at Esalen presented opportunities to experience movement therapy. Esalen is a healing retreat positioned within the backdrop of the rugged California coastline. Approaching the winter season in the Coachella Valley plans begin for summer by researching wellness activities that will challenge my comfort zone and introduce new perspective towards health. Upon seeing a somatic dance retreat the question was posed, “What would it look like to give myself permission to dance without judgement?” Months later the retreat arrived and on day one the world beat music started, my body moved the way it wanted to, and my attention shifted inward. True enjoyment arrived by dropping into bodily sensations and moving in ways that felt right moment to moment. When we embrace freedom of the preset moment we listen to the body and let it lead. We tap into an intuitive emotional reservoir. A felt sense of safety and a befriending of the body took place. A compassion for myself and those moving around me intensified. The undulating tribe of participants were spirit guides. From a 20-year-old skipping around the room to an 80-year old’s steps of gratitude for the gift of walking to the beat. Without having to use words for expression each attendee became my muse, and my emotional body was my anchor safely grounded in the right place at the right time. Our bodies can be our greatest teachers. I returned to the desert reminiscing and listening to the eclectic playlist our teacher gave us. A new ever-present reminder exists encouraging an acquaintance with my emotional landscape. The body keeps score. It is our deepest compass.
Somatic movement may be a useful tool for anyone experiencing anxiety, depression, loneliness or for the attainment of mental and emotional balance.
