Somatic Movement: The body as perceived from within

What is Somatic Movement and why do I need to know about it?

You may have heard the term Somatic Movement recently as it has become a bit of a buzzword in the wellness circles. But what does Somatic Movement mean? We caught up with our very own Clay A.D to find out just that. They have an upcoming workshop to expore this exciting practice, so let’s dive in….

1. What is Somatic Movement?

Somatics is an umbrella terms that is used for many types of practices. Somatic work generally involves training the connection to internal perspective and experience, or as Hanna Thomas who coined the term somatics say: "the body as perceived from within". When we do somatic movement at its core its attempting to connect and perceive the movement from within, rather than focusing on what it may look like, we focus on what it feels like.

2. Who would get the most out of it?

I believe practicing being in touch with our sensations and internal experience of the body as a whole is beneficial and transformational to all! But finding the way there could be through any number of physical practices and experiences such as yoga, bodywork or even meditation.

3. What are the benefits of Somatic Movement?

A deeper connection to the self, community and sense of place. Lightness in the body. Shifting embodied patterns. Learning new things about yourself. Experiencing curiosity with the self. Working with tension and release. Increased awareness of movement and breath. Many more as well, but these are often what I witness when working with folks.

4. Where does Somatic Movement originate? What is the back-story?

This would require an entire book to answer, but I would say there are infinite threads of somatic practice through time and across cultures. The origins of how I work are from Pantarei Approach which is a school that was opened by two teachers who trained in the Grinberg Method. The Grinberg Method was developed by Avi Grinberg in the 1980's using a combination of foot analysis, psychotherapy, massage, and reflexology. I also have a background in contemporary dance and have been influenced by the work of Body-Mind-Centering, breathwork practices, contemplative dance and accupressure.

5. How did you get into it?

It was a combination of getting into dance and going to see a somatic bodyworker myself. I was in my early twenties and had spent most of my life purposefully disconnecting from my body because of chronic illness, pain and being transgender but not out to myself or others. I had a moment of crisis and a friend suggested I go see a Grinberg practitioner. It was a wild experience of realizing that I could have a better and more kind connection to myself. She really opened up the possibility for this and also after a couple of years of this journey it made me realize I would like to do that work with others.

6. Can people incorporate any type of Somatic Movement into their own self-care practice at home?

Yes definitely! In the workshop I plan to go through some simple exercises that can be taken home and used. The basis of most of them is working with and staying with sensation and feeling, so any practice that is asking this of you is a great opening into this type of work.

Clay has an upcoming workshop on May 1st, 2-4pm on Somatic Embodiment. Check out the workshops page on our website for more information.

We regularly run other yoga-based workshops such as sound baths and backbending yoga workshops.