Releasing Stress & Trauma from the Body
Having so much going on in the world, and inside of our daily lives makes it difficult to pause and listen to the messages our bodies are constantly sending us. Emotions and stress can become trapped within us, manifesting as tension, pain, or even illness. But who has the time to stop and figure it out? It can all feel overwhelming, and can even lead to shutting down completely #notdealingwithit
But that’s now how we do things here at Full Circle Wellness. Inside of this community, we encourage each other to face things head on, and seek solutions that work for us!
This brings me to a profound practice that offers a pathway to releasing these trapped emotions and restoring harmony, and peace, within ourselves and our bodies: Somatic Experiencing.
Somatic Experiencing is a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Peter Levine that focuses on the connection between the Mind and the Body in processing and releasing traumatic experiences. At its core, Somatic Experiencing recognizes that trauma and stress can become lodged in the body, leading to a range of physical and emotional symptoms. By bringing awareness to bodily sensations and engaging in gentle, mindful movement, we can begin to unravel these patterns and reclaim a sense of ease and vitality for ourselves.
One of the most powerful tools within the realm of Somatic Experiencing is the use of MOVEMENT to facilitate emotional release.
Movement allows us to tap into the innate wisdom of the body, bypassing the limitations of language and accessing deeper layers of our being. Through practices such as yoga, dance, or simply tuning into the natural rhythms of our breath and heartbeat, we create space for emotions to flow freely and be expressed in a safe and supportive environment.
I’ll give you an example…
Some time ago I was having a particularly hard day, and still working through safe ways to process anger. I was also feeling incredibly overwhelmed with my to-do list, and overstimulated emotionally, and really needed to find a release. An old voice in my head told me to pick up a drink, but I had already chosen sobriety, so I tried something I’d only just heard about instead… Somatic Experiencing. Moving the emotions out of my body physically.
I put in my headphones and turned up some angsty music (2000s emo anyone?), and started to sway. I started to shake my arms, and punch the air, singing loudly. I stomped and flailed like I was back in a mosh pit in high school, squatting and kicking, pumping my fists in all directions, and just moving. As the music changed a few times, I even started to feel sadness come up, the grief beneath the anger, and I started to feel hot tears wet my face. It felt so good! I was able to completely release the tension in my body, and let my anger out in a healthy way using music, and movement.
But why is movement so effective in releasing trapped emotions?
The answer lies in the interconnectedness of the Body and the Mind. When we move our bodies, we not only release physical tension but we’re also activating the body's natural self-regulating mechanisms. This can help to discharge the energy of trapped emotions - in my case, anger - and restore a sense of balance and equilibrium. Additionally, movement invites us to be fully present in the moment, allowing us to process emotions as they arise and move through us, rather than becoming stuck or suppressed.
This is just one of many ways that Somatic Experiencing can look.
SE can also look like slower movements, like yoga or stretching, or even taking a walk. It can take the form of breath work, OM or VOO sounds, butterfly hugs, bilateral patting, Emotional Freedom Tapping, punching or kneading a pillow, releasing with a stress ball or fidget toy, making arm circles, doing a heart hold… there are so many ways to utilize movement to release energy and emotions from the body!
Ultimately, incorporating somatic practices into your daily routine can have profound effects on your overall well-being. Whether it's through structured exercises or simply taking a few moments each day to tune into your body and breathe, the key is to cultivate a sense of curiosity and openness to whatever arises.
By honoring the wisdom of your body and allowing emotions to be felt and expressed, you create a safe space for healing and transformation to occur within you. Your body becomes a safe place to exist.
So, the next time you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or disconnected, angry or sad, consider turning to Somatic Experiencing and movement as a pathway to liberation.
Our bodies hold the key to unlocking the fullness of our lived experience, and by getting silent, listening deeply and moving with intention, you can tap into a profound source of freedom, healing and inner peace.
Be well,
L
