Do you enjoy dancing, massage or yoga? What do they have in common? They all help you connect with and enjoy the sensations and expressions of your body, creating a mind-body connection. Embodiment is the term used to describe the mind-body connection by being present, safe and in control… in your body.
Embodiment is the opposite of being in your head… overthinking, planning, worrying, spacing out, daydreaming. So many of us move from task to task, getting through our day, using or seeing our body only as a physical means of helping with each task. Living in our head all day, solely letting the mind guide us along the way, dismissing and ignoring the signals and sensations associated with having a body, the wisdom of the body. In our modern day lives, everyone is so busy with career and family obligations, they rarely stop and check in with their body to see how it’s doing and what it’s feeling or needing. Not to mention, the many distractions we have easy access to, that disconnect or numb us from what we’re experiencing, such as alcohol, drugs and technology in the form of social media, video games or binge watching tv. We are constantly bombarded with ways to check out, when the thing we need the most is to check in.
What is embodiment?
There is a tendency to leave or disconnect from our body when we feel unsafe, overwhelmed, out of control, or are experiencing unpleasant emotions or sensations. This is called disembodiment… a disconnection from the body that creates even more stress on our body and mind, which can lead to anxiety and depression.
Experiencing negative feelings is uncomfortable. With this knowledge and understanding of our human tendency to embody and disembody, there are easy ways to shift back into embodiment, inhabit our body and reconnect with who we truly are, so we can experience joy, vitality and peace. By using self awareness, the breath, movement or other techniques that help us reconnect with the body and ourselves, we can feel more balanced again. Self awareness is the first essential step towards practicing embodiment.
10 Benefits of Embodiment
- Self Awareness: Emotional, Physical, Mental, Spiritual
- Body Wisdom
- Self Acceptance
- Deeper Connection with Others
- Better Boundaries
- Self Regulation
- Emotional Wellness
- Reduce Stress, Anxiety & Depression
- Mindfulness
- Grounded & Present
“Ask your body what it needs. It is time to reconnect to its ancient wisdom and to reclaim your power, joy and vitality. It is time to remember who you truly are.” – Camille Barrios
10 Examples of Embodiment Practices
- Yoga
- Dancing
- Massage
- Breathwork
- Somatic movements (like shaking and tapping)
- Sex
- Martial Arts
- Spending time with loved ones
- Grounding Exercises
- Engaging in your 5 Senses
Embodiment is a practice and any movement or focus on physical sensation can help you feel embodied. As you move throughout your day, practicing self awareness, you want to consistently check in with your body and ask “What does my body need at this moment?” or “What is my body saying to me?” And then listen. Our bodies have a lot to say! When we are embodied, we are able to listen to the messages our body gives us, helping us to cope and manage any emotions or sensations we’re experiencing, positive or negative. It’s a practice of self exploration, curiosity and observation that leads us to living our lives from the inside out.
I specialize in helping busy career women struggling with chronic stress and anxiety find relief using Bach Flower Therapy, Transpersonal Energy Healing and Restorative Yoga (learn more on my services page, here!). Try my progressive muscle relaxation meditation on my YouTube channel for an embodiment experience.
