Somatics refers to a broad field of study and practice that focuses on an experiential approach towards mind/body integration, or rather, a remembering of the embodied awareness that the mind and the body were never separate. 

“Soma” is a greek word for “the living organism in its wholeness”. This includes sensations, emotions, internal narratives, relational stances, actions and non actions. Somatics emphasises that the body/ the soma, is the primary ground of experience, and therefore learning and knowledge. This leads to a core principle that the body is the vehicle for awakening. 

“Embodiment” means being fully in the body; that we are living inside the aliveness of our soma. This signifies deeply inhabiting the body from the inside, which at times requires a shift from the world of ideas with rationalism and cognition , to dropping back in to living in the changing aliveness of this organism admits others, in contact with your embodied inner experience and being fully yourself.

Somatics recognizes the interconnection and inseparability of the body and mind. It challenges the Cartesian dualism that separates the body, the mind, and spirit, emphasizing that they are integrated aspects of human experience. Somatic practices aim to promote harmony and integration between the body and mind, recognizing that changes in one aspect can impact the other.

The field of somatics encompasses various disciplines, approaches, and methodologies aimed at enhancing body/ somatic awareness, self-healing, movement efficiency, and overall well-being. Somatic practices emphasize the embodied inner experience, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical sensations, movements, emotions, and thoughts.

Somatics involves exploring and understanding the living body from within, using techniques such as mindful movement, breathwork, relaxation exercises, and sensory awareness. It emphasizes the role of the nervous system in regulating bodily functions and the capacity for neuroplasticity, which allows for the rewiring and reorganization of neural pathways.

By engaging in somatic practices, individuals can develop a deeper connection with their body-mind, release patterns of tension and stress, improve movement coordination and efficiency, and cultivate self-awareness and self-regulation. Somatics is used in various contexts, including healthcare, therapy, performing arts, sports training, and personal development, to promote physical and emotional well-being, optimize movement and performance, and support trauma healing and personal growth.

It’s important to note that somatics is a diverse field, encompassing different modalities and approaches. Each approach has its own unique principles and methods, but they all share a common focus on the embodied inner experience and the integration of body and mind.