Our emotions are constantly activating sensations in our bodies based on our autonomic nervous system responses. These responses are based on past experiences. To make things easier for us, our bodies usually run on that past conditioning to protect us or enable us based on similar circumstances that we have experienced.
Our emotions are actively set off in our inner body as sensations and this allows us the space to understand whether a circumstance is good for us or isn't. This constant response sometimes can get very overwhelming, especially in the 'not good' circumstances. The 'not good' circumstances usually tend to activate unpleasant feelings and sensations that we generally neglect to save face toward - our loved ones, acquaintances or new people. When we do this, our unpleasant feelings are left buried and unprocessed. This means the next time a similar circumstance shows up, the automatic response stems from this abandonment wound - not having witnessed this unpleasant sensation.
In my experience, I prefer to think of the unprocessed feelings as young beings who have been devoid of my acceptance, love and care. And when you sit down to process these, you'll understand why I characterize them this way.
The feelings of safety in our body are activated from within. Somatic body practices and natural movement encourage cultivating this safety which results in your body perceiving non-threat. It is the ability of our body, our protective senses and neuroception to assess an experience as safe. This releases the stimulator that constantly perceives your world as something to fight against, minimizing your defensive response and relaxing your body into the safety of the moment. The idea is to create and cultivate this sense of safety on your terms. To practise and to play.
There are a few ways to process our feelings to create a sense of safety in the body.
1 Somatic/ Body Perception Practise:
Enter a physical space where you will be undisturbed for the duration of this practice. It is best practised in a seated position. Close your eyes and take a few breaths while consciously becoming aware of your internal energetic body. Slowly ground into this energy and express it through your breaths, deepening it if the need arises. Now, scan your internal body moving from the crown of your head to the tips of your extremities - toes, fingers, ears, nose and skin. Slowly move your awareness to the energy points that feel void of energy. If you don't understand this, ask your body to guide you towards this space. Generally, this space feels like it has lacked a loving touch or awareness. It feels devoid of warmth and craves touch. It could feel different in all cases, you'll just know - that the area seeks attention.
Before the next step warm the palm of your hands by gently rubbing them against each other for a few seconds. Once you have located this space, usually on the surface of your body, place your palm on this surface. Slowly massage into the area - gently and consciously. Continue doing this until you feel a sense of safety building up from the inside of your body. The safety might not develop overnight and will require a few more practices. Just keep at it until you feel the saturation of 'I'm feeling safer now'. Continue this for a few more minutes or however long you feel called to practice this.
You can also practise lovingly moving your palms along your body's outline over the skin in any way you feel called to. Starting from your shoulders, moving down along your arms - moving from your chest, and gently moving along your neck. Next when you move across your face and your scalp, gently massage the features here - your eyes, eyebrows, ears, and nose. This can then continue for the lower body in the same way. Remember - this practice works best when you are lovingly doing this, and moving at a gentle pace. As if you are taking your time to love and experience each part of your body with great love, curiosity and tender care. This delicate connecting practice allows you to create self-love and acceptance of your body. This is best practised with a piece of slow and gentle background music.
Remember, do not be afraid to explore your body. It is yours. Try to minimize or preferably skip judgment altogether.
2 Stream of Consciousness Journalling Release:
Stream of consciousness journalling means to just write with no thoughts. Ask yourself any question that you are curious about. Take a few moments of breaths aligning with the energy of your body and relax into your presence. And simply write. It's amazing the kind of insights and shadowed perceptions that surface. Do not be afraid of this. Simply allow them to be - no judgments. Let them come up. This is the only way it can be released.
Once you are in a deeply relaxed and safe state, ask yourself: 'What is requiring my attention at this very moment?' or 'What is it that I am not admitting to myself'? You can ask any question. Your questions can also show up once you have created space after the breathing practice stated in the above paragraph.
Please note that certain aspects may come up a few more times than necessary. But, do not be afraid of this. This is a process, and this allows the different aspects of your life to naturally release. This is just energy being released in a Word format. Do not get caught up in the story of the energy. Simply allow it to be witnessed and released. This matches the likeness of the steam of a pressure cooker.
*Please note: This article is comprehensively based on the revelations I experienced during my everyday bodywork/journaling practice. Everyone has their own way of practising this. I wanted to share my experience with anyone who felt called to try this out
I am willing to be in this space for release for those who are interested in these practices. Please note that I am not a therapist or psychologist of any kind. I have intuitively learned this skill due to my own life experience which has led me to this path. Kindly leave me a message below or email, so we can set up meetings to discuss the specifics.
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