Somatic Yoga
The word "somatic" comes from the Greek word sōma, meaning "the living body experienced from within."
“When we listen deeply to the body, we awaken the wisdom that has been there all along.”
A somatic exploration of yoga means we take a deep dive into our own bodies and our own experience of the yoga asanas, breath practices and moving meditation. It is an invitation to really slow down, turn inwards and to always be curious about what we may find.
While we may explore some of the traditional postures, classes are slow, and paced with the rhythm of our own breath. Movements are simple and approached as inquiries rather than achievements.
This is not an exercise class.
Principles of Somatic Yoga
The Body Remembers
The body can hold experiences, emotions, and patterns of movement and behavior. A somatic movement and yoga practice can help unravel these layers, that might be stored away in our bodies.
Movement as Medicine
Unlike more traditional methods of yoga, a somatic movement approach to yoga can become intuitive and fluid. We inquire into our body’s natural intelligence through gentle asana and breath. We can develop awareness of where tensions may lie within our bodies and explore release, cultivating a deeper sense of ease and safety within yourself. We move from the inside, rather than imitating what we think something should look like.
Grounding & Yielding
The nature of our daily lives keeps us in our heads, and very busy. A somatic movement and yoga practice can bring us back home to the body. Through slow mindful motion we cultivate grounding and yielding to the support of the earth, finding a sense of natural stability and balance.
Softening & Releasing
All too often we push through pain or ignore discomfort, we may have even become accustomed to this is a strong and dynamic yoga or other exercise practice. Somatic movement and yoga teaches us to listen intently to our own experience. We can approach every practice with curiosity and find out what arises.
Your Body — Your Practice
Every person’s movement journey is unique. While sessions are structured and do follow a sequence, you are given opportunities to explore the movements that feel right for your body. Whether through stretching, micro-movements, or stillness, you are your own best teacher.
The more we can develop somatic awareness in our lives, the more it influences the way we move, breathe, and respond to the stresses of life. The more we understand our body, the more we can trust and feel supported by it.