Regular readers know I studied somatic therapy last year at The Centre For Healing. This was a movement to clear samskaras from the body to help with embodiment. Because of my nature, adaptations, and upbringing, I’ve overemphasized the spiritual and mental. Learning to be in the body is now at the forefront. The path has been up and out, now down and in.
The Centre has now offered their Somatic Foundations course for free. This is a great review of the foundations for everyone.
It’s 22 lessons online, at your own pace. There’s an intro, how to track your nervous system states, how to regulate (calm), building a resource (safe space), and building your window of tolerance so you can comfortably process larger and larger contractions. Each section includes practical exercises and techniques.
If you believe you have minimal to no trauma, are present in your body, and can process your experiences effectively, this might surprise you. Most of us learned to adapt by resisting and avoiding. These patterns are deeply established and happen automatically. Your body hides your samskaras to “protect” you. Your triggers and repression patterns are unrecognized. Yet the unresolved experiences continue to shadow and filter our quality of life. These patterns are ubiquitous in our culture.
The Yoga Sutra calls this the foundation of suffering. We don’t even realize we’re suffering as stress, unhappiness, and lack of peace have become normal.
Becoming conscious of our burdens and unhealthy habits is the first step. Next comes adding techniques to process our history safely. Then we can change the habitual responses and find safety in being present in the body. And find the joy of life, right here.
With classes like this, all it takes is our time and attention.
Davidya
Thank you. I have signed up.
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Thank you so much! I signed up and look forward to explore!
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