Practices of Somatic Intelligence

You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.

– Swami Satchidinanda

That the birds of worry and care fly over your head, this you cannot change; but that they build nests in your hair, this you can prevent.

– Chinese proverb

Practices of breath, touch, movement, and visualization strengthen your somatic intelligence to manage the stress and survival responses of your nervous system to engage the more comprehensive functioning of your higher brain and return the body-brain to its natural physiological equilibrium.  Developing this body-based somatic intelligence strengthens your sense of safety and trust and primes the neuroplasticity of your brain for learning.  Your range of resilience greatly expands; you are willing and able to try new behaviors and take new risks.

Breath

• Mini-Breath Meditation
• Affectionate Breathing
• Savor a Moment of Relief

Touch

• Soles of the Feet
• Energize Your Heart Center
• Hand on the Heart
• See also Activating the Release of Oxytocin through Touch
• See also Activating the Release of Oxytocin through Loving Connection

Movement

• Yoga – Child’s Pose
• See also Relaxation Response
• See also Friendly Body-Scan
• Forest Bathing
• Skillful Distraction
• Pendulation

Visualization

• Belly Botany
• Memories of a Soothing Natural Landscape
• Creating a Safe Place
• Taking Refuge

Additional exercises are available in Resilience: Powerful Practices for Bouncing Back from Disappointment, Difficulty, and Even Disaster.