Embodiment – The What, The How and The Why

“And I said to my body, softly, ‘I want to be your friend‘, it took a long breath and replied, ‘I have been waiting my whole life for this.” ~ Nayyirah Waheed

Most of us live day to day on autopilot. We wake up, make breakfast, maybe do a quick workout, start work, eat lunch, finish work, have dinner, have a couple of hours downtime, then go to bed, and start again. Those with families will cram even more into a day!

Have you ever taken even a miniscule moment to check in with yourself when going about your day-to-day routine?

Embodiment can mean different things to different people. My view is that when we are in complete connection with our mind, body and soul, and able to maintain this connection even when being put under stress and pressure from external forces, we are embodied.

As humans we are 100% capable of living an embodied life. In fact, we are born embodied. You only have to look at a new-born baby and see how it breathes deep, long and slow, will cry when its body requires something, and poops whenever the body needs to. It is only the outside elements and influences that human beings are faced with as we grow that make us focus more on the mind and its thousands of thoughts per day (many of which I’m guessing are not necessary for us to live our daily lives).

Here are a few small ways to gain an embodied life:

1. Pay attention to your body prompts. When your stomach makes a noise notice if its hunger or maybe in need of some hydration. If your eyes start to strain whilst scrolling through Instagram, maybe they need a break from technology. Your body knows what you need and will show you the signs.
2. Notice your emotions. How does it feel when you’ve had a conversation with someone? Next time you have a conversation with a friend, partner, child, boss or colleague check in with how your body is responding to it. If your stomach tightens and your heart rate quickens, these might be signs of anxiety and our body’s ‘fight or flight’ response being activated. By noticing these signals, you will be able to utilise embodiment tools to respond in a different way.
3. Practice being present, grounded and focused on the here and now. Start simply by noticing your breath as it goes in and out of your nostrils. Experiencing Yoga Nidra Meditation is the gift of presence, and with that gift we emerge feeling rested, alert, and with fresh awareness.
4. Eat and drink mindfully. Ask yourself the question ‘what does my body really want and need right now?’ Really tune into your senses and listen for the answer. You might think you want a large bar of chocolate or a double espresso but does your body really want it?
5. Consciously move. A great way to connect your mind with your body is to move consciously. This involves bringing complete awareness to your entire being using slow and deliberate movements and allowing it to become your guide. By doing so you are able to focus on the needs of your mind, body and soul. Walking, Pilates and Yoga are examples of conscious movement. Or why not try a new way to move with Let’s Shake & Flow!

If you’re interested in discovering more about Embodiment Practices and how I utilise them in my Coaching sessions, please do contact me here to arrange a free consultation.