Hi Jane! I resonate with this post, and thanks for sharing it.
I agree that chasing positive somatic experiences, putting embodiment on a pedestal or fantasizing that the body will be an oracle is problematic or 'out of balance.'
I also agree that an integrated 'body-mind' is key, and that we have to face and deal with our problems and challenges and not bypass them to evolve our lives.
However, I do value the current trend and explorations around nervous system regulation. That is, I think that IN ORDER to follow through on actions we need to take in our lives, it can be so, so helpful to have greater capacity to stay regulated and grounded in our bodies, especially to tolerate the stress of change, growth and healing.
So, in my view, it's less about elevating the body... but rather, developing new levels of internal, embodied stability to do the very problem-addressing or change-making I see you pointing at and valuing.
Thanks for sharing, Nicola. Being able to stabilize our states and build egoic capacity to face our shadow is always a first step in my work. We need a strong ego to do shadow work and to not be overwhelm by the unconscious. I appreciate your reflections.
I really resonated with the point you make “we still
have to change the way we think”. So often I hear certain “somatic apologists” almost deify the body, much in the same way some white westerners idealize or pedestalize indigenous cultures. Like the body is some savage savant and “all we need to do” to return to some long-lost home is have an ecstatic merging with the body and then no more difficulty, no more suffering.
Thanks a million for this Jane, it's incredibly affirming for my own lived experience. I trained in a number of somatic modalities including feminine embodiment coaching, which pushed me deeper into the feminine that then led to enantiodromia. The last year and half of analysis has been particularly brutal as the masculine smashed through my psyche and floored me for about six months, I'm only really integrating now but feeling so much more balanced. It was the Hermes energy or who I would see in the Irish tradition as Mannanán Mac Lir who guided me out for which I am ever grateful. I really value your wisdom and insight here, so illuminating!
Hmmmm…. Yes…. This really resonates. Uncomfortably! I’d love to hear more about the integration and keeping it conscious, that is where it gets slippery.
This was so good Jane! I especially appreciated the piece around how treacherous it could be to “listen to the body’s instruction” while a powerful complex is running. Such an awesome talk. Also, cute dog. Over and out.
Hi Jane! I resonate with this post, and thanks for sharing it.
I agree that chasing positive somatic experiences, putting embodiment on a pedestal or fantasizing that the body will be an oracle is problematic or 'out of balance.'
I also agree that an integrated 'body-mind' is key, and that we have to face and deal with our problems and challenges and not bypass them to evolve our lives.
However, I do value the current trend and explorations around nervous system regulation. That is, I think that IN ORDER to follow through on actions we need to take in our lives, it can be so, so helpful to have greater capacity to stay regulated and grounded in our bodies, especially to tolerate the stress of change, growth and healing.
So, in my view, it's less about elevating the body... but rather, developing new levels of internal, embodied stability to do the very problem-addressing or change-making I see you pointing at and valuing.
Thanks for sharing, Nicola. Being able to stabilize our states and build egoic capacity to face our shadow is always a first step in my work. We need a strong ego to do shadow work and to not be overwhelm by the unconscious. I appreciate your reflections.
I think we're on the same page :) - and your foundation-building sounds so crucial, responsible and thoughtful. Thanks for responding!
☺️
I really resonated with the point you make “we still
have to change the way we think”. So often I hear certain “somatic apologists” almost deify the body, much in the same way some white westerners idealize or pedestalize indigenous cultures. Like the body is some savage savant and “all we need to do” to return to some long-lost home is have an ecstatic merging with the body and then no more difficulty, no more suffering.
Damn, Kristy. Those are wise and clear words. I haven't heard it expressed quite that way. It really lands. Wow.
Thank you, Jane!
Thanks a million for this Jane, it's incredibly affirming for my own lived experience. I trained in a number of somatic modalities including feminine embodiment coaching, which pushed me deeper into the feminine that then led to enantiodromia. The last year and half of analysis has been particularly brutal as the masculine smashed through my psyche and floored me for about six months, I'm only really integrating now but feeling so much more balanced. It was the Hermes energy or who I would see in the Irish tradition as Mannanán Mac Lir who guided me out for which I am ever grateful. I really value your wisdom and insight here, so illuminating!
Wise words. 'Guruzing' the body limits integration. The capacity to endure suffering is such an important and necessary part of life.
Hmmmm…. Yes…. This really resonates. Uncomfortably! I’d love to hear more about the integration and keeping it conscious, that is where it gets slippery.
wow wow.. this is a gift. thank you! I’d love to see your catharsis clip :]
This was so good Jane! I especially appreciated the piece around how treacherous it could be to “listen to the body’s instruction” while a powerful complex is running. Such an awesome talk. Also, cute dog. Over and out.
Pleeeeease do a video on cathartis! It’s snake oil of the white wellbeing industrial complex.
So well said, Yeshe. Lovely to connect with you on this.