The concept of body, mind and spirit has always intrigued me! I pursued spirituality from a very young age because I was fascinated by the idea that we are more than just our physical bodies.
That said, I have been far more interested in the mind and spirit part of this three-some and have always sort of just expected my body to come along for the ride… not really understanding the truth of how my body served this trinity.
Recently I have been pondering my weight… and the fact that I have far more of it than I want… and I am completely puzzled as to how to change this. On top of this, I am now in menopause and if I couldn’t release my extra weight and keep it off prior to menopause, I fear I will have even less success now.
This is super confusing and frustrating to me!
Over the years, I have been able to manifest amazing ‘things’… like trips abroad when I didn’t actually have the money for it, buying a house when I didn’t have the down payment or great credit, a new car within weeks of realizing I would need one, new jobs in new cities just because that was the experience I wanted to have at that time, and the list goes on and on... but my weight; it just doesn’t budge no matter what I think, feel or do!
Like everyone who struggles with extra weight, I have tried all the diets and all the fads only to fluctuate a few pounds every now and then… and to date, any weight I have been able to release has returned with friends… lost 7 lbs, gained back 12… lost 15 lbs gained back 20, etc
That said, I do love how the energy of the solution we are seeking is always swirling around us! As I continued thinking about my weight and why it’s hanging on soo relentlessly, things started appearing on my social media walls and email inbox…
First, I found a podcast that talked about our nervous system and how it regulates every part of our body. The podcast further explained that 80% of how we perceive information and create reality goes from our body to our brain and only 20% of how we perceive information and create reality goes from our brain (thoughts) to our body!!
To me, this means my body’s Nervous System is far stronger in helping me to manifest than just my thoughts. Furthermore, it is not my thoughts that affect my emotions it is my Nervous System that affects and perhaps even rules my emotions.
This brought me back to the thoughts of my extra weight…. If my Nervous System rules my body, then connecting with that part of me may be a more effective place to start then a new diet!
Continuing on with my internet exploration I came upon something called Somatic Movement.
Somatic Movement exercises focus on what a movement feels like in the body. With the use of breath, these movements are mindful and aimed at releasing muscular tension, improving posture, and enhancing body awareness.
Breath serves as a bridge between the mind and body in Somatic Movement exercises. Breath is synchronized with each movement to enhance body awareness and control. While emphasis on diaphragmatic breathing helps regulate the nervous system and promote relaxation and stress reduction.
Although there are specific somatic practices and modalities (Somatic Education, Feldenkrais Method, etc) below are some generalities of this concept:
Techniques:
Breath Awareness
Observing how breath naturally moves during different movements.
Coordinated Breathing
Syncing breath with specific movements, like inhaling during expansion and exhaling during contraction.
Breath Holding and Release
Using breath to facilitate release of tension in targeted areas.
Benefits:
Enhanced Relaxation
Deep diaphragmatic breathing calms the nervous system.
Increased Body Awareness
Conscious breathing fosters a deeper connection with the sensations in the body.
Improved Movement
Proper breathing patterns support ease of movement and reduce unnecessary pain or tension.
Practice Tips:
Start Slow
Begin with simple exercises focusing on breath and movement coordination.
Mindful Observation
Pay attention to how different breathing patterns influence your body's response and the thoughts you are thinking.
Regular Practice
Consistency is key to reaping the benefits of breathwork and somatic movement exercises.
5 Somatic Exercises to Get you Started:
5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Exercise
Stand, sit or lie down.
What 5 things can you see or imagine seeing while taking deep deliberate breaths.
What 4 things can you touch while taking deep deliberate breaths.
What 3 things can you hear while taking deep deliberate breaths.
What 2 things can you smell while taking deep deliberate breaths.
What 1 thing can you taste while taking deep deliberate breaths.
Return to regular breathing and assess how your body feels right now.
Progressive muscle relaxation
Stand, sit or lie down.
Starting with your toes, focus on tensing each of your body parts.
Hold for 15 secs, then release for 15- 30 secs and notice what this body part feels like.
Repeat this process until you reach the top of your head.
Supta Baddha Konasana (yoga position)
This is a hip opening position.
Lie on your back.
Bringing the soles of your feet together, and let your knees gently fall open to the sides.
Place your left hand on your heart and your right on your belly.
Inhale and exhale deeply and deliberately allowing the stress to release.
Notice the sensations you feel in your body.
Pelvic Tilt
Lie on your back.
Knees are bent and feet are flat on the floor.
Place both hands on your lower abdomen.
Take a deep breath.
Exhale and gently press your lower back into the floor, tilting your pelvis upward.
Inhale and slowly arch your lower back, creating a slight gap between your back and the floor.
Repeat this movement 3-5 times.
Focus on the sensation of your spine and pelvis moving in a fluid, connected manner.
Lateral Side Bend
Stand with your feet hip-width apart and arms relaxed at your sides.
Inhale and slowly lift your right arm overhead as you bend your torso to the left.
Keep your gaze forward and focus on the sensation of stretching through your right side.
Exhale and return to the starting position with your right arm back at your side.
Perform this movement 3-5 times.
Repeat on the left side, lifting your left arm and bending to the right while synchronize with your breath.
Perform this movement 3-5 times.
Focus on your body sensations and notice if your sensations on one side differ from the other.
Perhaps you are asking yourself, ‘How is she going to lose weight with the above exercises?’
Haha! I am not sure either 😊 However, my first goal is to connect with my body and make friends with my Nervous System. For me this is the first step in understanding what my body’s purpose is for the weight it’s holding on to.
What I know for sure, is that I am committing to doing a daily Somatic Movement practice for the next 6-weeks; I am 3 days in and already I am sleeping better and waking up with energy!
Whether I lose weight or not, I will keep you posted on my progress. Our bodies are so incredibly strong, beautiful and complex, and I look forward to deepening my relationship with mine these next six weeks and beyond <heart>
Somatic breathing and movement go along with everything we stand for and teach here at The Breath Connection… and if it works for body pain, I am betting it will work for weight loss as well!
If you want to take a deeper dive into the power of YOUR healing breath we have a few options for you to check out
First, we invite your to click HERE for our FREE ‘Four Steps to Vibrant Health’ PDF.
Second, if you want to breath with friends join us for our in-person or online April Breath Therapy Class... click HERE for more info!
So much love,
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