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What's your body telling you right now?
Could you answer? Are you noticing?
When we spend our lives engaging in conversations with our minds, we can miss the messages coming from our body.
The Difference Between Emotions and Sensations
When we talk about somatic experiences, we're referring to the sensations or feelings that we experience in our bodies. For example, when you feel cold, hot, tired, or excited, these are all somatic experiences because you feel them physically..
Emotions are the labels we assign to the physical sensations we experience in our bodies. They are our mind's way of making sense of what we feel.
Sensations are the raw, direct experiences of the body's feelings of a situation or a memory.
To put it more succinctly, emotions are our brain's attempt to understand and make sense of sensations.
Understanding the distinction between emotions and sensations is crucial, as it helps us recognise why we might disconnect from our bodily experiences.
Why We Disconnect from Our Sensations
Feeling can be deeply painful and uncomfortable, and it's natural to want to protect ourselves from that pain. Throughout our lives, we all have experiences that cause us to disconnect from our sensations as a coping mechanism.
When we experience trauma, loss, or heartbreak, we may instinctively numb our sensations to survive the overwhelming emotions.
Over time, this disconnection can become a habit, leaving us feeling detached from our bodies and our inner knowing.
While disconnecting from our sensations may serve as a temporary coping mechanism, it can ultimately hinder our ability to heal and grow.
The Importance of Feeling In The Healing And Growing Process
Disconnecting from our sensations hinders our ability to heal and grow. While reconnecting with them allows us to gain profound insights and experience personal growth.
It takes courage to face the discomfort of our sensations, but it is through this process that we can release the pain of the past and find a new sense of wholeness and resilience.
Recognising the significance of feeling in the healing process, let's explore some safe ways to reconnect with our sensations.
Safe Ways to Reconnect with Our Sensations
Hypnotherapy and somatic modalities offer safe ways to open the door to the felt sense and inner knowing. These modalities create a protected environment for individuals to explore their sensations without feeling overwhelmed.
Some gentle ways to start reconnecting with your sensations include:
- Body Scan Meditation:
- Take a few minutes each day to lie down or sit comfortably and focus your attention on each part of your body, from your toes to the top of your head.
- Notice any sensations, tension, or feelings in each area without judgment.
- Mindful Breathing:
- Practice mindful breathing, focusing on the sensation of the breath moving in and out of your body.
- When your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to your breath.
- Mindful Movement:
- Engage in gentle, mindful movement practices such as yoga, walking in nature, or any physical activity that allows you to focus on your body instead of your surroundings.
- Pay attention to the sensations in your body as you move through each posture or sequence.
- Sensory Exploration:
- Take time to explore your senses mindfully, such as feeling the texture of a soft blanket, smelling fresh flowers, or listening to soothing music.
- Notice how each sensory experience feels in your body.
Rebuilding a relationship with your body and its sensations takes time, so approach this process with self-compassion and patience.
The Power of Listening to Our Inner Knowing
Reconnecting with our felt senses helps us trust our inner knowing more deeply, discovering a well of resilience and strength within ourselves.
By listening to the messages our body is sending us, we can make profound changes in our lives and find a greater sense of purpose and fulfilment.
Healing And Growing Is a Journey
And reconnecting with our sensations is a crucial part of that journey. By learning to listen to our body's native language, we can access our intrinsic knowing and find the path to healing and growth.
Since healing comes from feeling, honouring your sensations means you are honouring your body's innate wisdom.
Everyone's Journey Is Unique
What works for one person may not work for another. Be patient with yourself and trust the process, knowing that you are exactly where you need to be.
If you're struggling to reconnect with your sensations or need support on your healing journey, don't hesitate to reach out to me.
As a psychotherapist, I'm here to help you navigate this process and provide the guidance you need.
Bec x
