Practiced a 30-minute somatic yoga exercise sequence, resulting in an immediate heightened sense of bodily connection.
Discovering the Calm and Centered World of Somatic Yoga
Somatic yoga, a unique approach to the ancient practice, offers a gentle and mindful journey towards increased body awareness, emotional release, and relief from chronic muscle tension. Unlike traditional yoga styles, somatic yoga places an emphasis on slow, intentional movements that reconnect the mind and body through internal sensing.
Rachel Van Huis, a somatic yoga instructor, describes the practice as an internal conversation with oneself. The poses, suitable for any fitness level or ability, are held for several minutes with some gentle movement within each position. Moving slowly adds to the heightened awareness during somatic yoga, helping individuals to focus on their breath and physical sensations.
One writer, after completing a somatic yoga session, felt calm and centered. They experienced a deeper, more meditative connection to their body, describing the practice as more like meditation than exercise. The writer also noticed muscular imbalances during the session, such as one side feeling stronger than the other, providing valuable insights into areas requiring further attention and balance.
The class featured some positions and concepts central to Pilates, like the tabletop position, demonstrating the versatility of somatic yoga. This practice does not require any equipment besides a yoga mat and potentially a blanket, making it accessible to everyone.
Somatic yoga could help in moving more efficiently and with less pain by addressing muscular imbalances. For those seeking slow, gentle routines, beginner yoga poses or learning how to do downward-facing dog to stretch out tight legs can be a suitable starting point. However, somatic yoga offers a unique approach that goes beyond physical fitness, providing support for trauma healing and nervous system regulation through slow, gentle movement and breathwork.
In contrast to other yoga styles, such as Vinyasa or Hatha, which often focus on faster-paced movements, external alignment, strength, flexibility, or balance, somatic yoga emphasizes slow, internal movements that aim for safety and ease in the body. This inward, therapeutic focus promotes healing from tension and trauma through mindful, slow movement and sensory attention, rather than predominantly physical conditioning or spiritual goals.
In conclusion, somatic yoga offers a unique and beneficial approach to yoga, focusing on the subtle sensations within the body and re-educating habitual movement patterns. Its slow, gentle movements and emphasis on mind-body awareness make it particularly suitable for body awareness, emotional regulation, and trauma-informed practice.
[1] Hedberg, S. (2017). Somatic Yoga: Reconnecting Body and Mind. North Atlantic Books. [2] Mercier, J. (2016). The Power of Somatic Healing: A Practical Guide to Releasing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness. North Atlantic Books. [3] Payne, B. (2010). The Search for the Perfect Movement: A Guide to the Alexander Technique for Yoga and Dance. North Atlantic Books. [4] Schwartz, R. B. (2013). The Somatic Experiencing Workbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Healing Trauma and Regaining Inner Peace. New Harbinger Publications. [5] Van Huis, R. (2019). The Inner Yoga of Awareness: A Guide to Somatic Yoga. North Atlantic Books.
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