Have you ever noticed how eager we are to categorize and measure ourselves? Success is often measured in tangible terms: the size of a paycheck, the brand of a car, or the number of followers on social media. Outside of this cultural addiction to striving for measurable results, somatic self-love offers a way that is…
Read more
In the journey of self-discovery and trauma recovery, understanding the spectrum of shame is incredibly useful. Often perceived as a negative emotion, shame holds a dual nature. Healthy shame can serve as our moral compass, guiding us back to our true north of love. It’s a transient feeling that helps us align with personal and…
Read more
In the aftermath of trauma, the concept of calm can feel like a foreign language—difficult to understand and even more challenging to speak. For those who have navigated the choppy waters of post-traumatic stress, calm is often a distant shore. Yet, establishing a somatic marker for calm isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity for…
Read more
We often carry the weight of our experiences in the deepest fibers of our being, sometimes without even realizing it. This weight can be even heavier when it’s intertwined with the shame associated with childhood abuse. But what happens when we find the strength to set down that burden and declare that it never truly…
Read more
I’ll never forget being in triangle pose – sweating and fighting and working hard to maintain the posture… rigidity spreading from my jaw down to my toes – in a hot Vinyasa class taught by the wonderful Connie Lozano, and she said, “If we don’t have much compassion for ourselves, how much can we extend…
Read more
Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is a relaxation technique that involves systematically tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in the body. It was developed by Dr. Edmund Jacobson in the early 20th century as a way to help people reduce stress and anxiety. The technique involves tensing a specific muscle group for a few seconds, then…
Read more
Restorative yoga is a style of yoga that focuses on relaxation and rejuvenation. It is a gentle practice that uses props such as blankets, bolsters, and blocks to support the body in various poses. Restorative yoga aims to promote deep relaxation, reduce stress, and support the body’s natural healing processes. Restorative yoga typically involves holding…
Read more
Sensory rest, also known as a sensory reset, is a technique used to help people with sensory overload, anxiety, or stress by creating a calming and soothing environment. The goal is to reduce the amount of sensory input that the brain is processing, allowing it to rest and recover. Sensory rest can be achieved through…
Read more
It is important to soften into our bodies because it allows us to connect with our inner selves and tune into our physical and emotional needs.